The Test of Behavioral Rigidity was administered to a group of Traditi
onal (age less-than-or-equal-to 22 years) and Nontraditional (age grea
ter-than-or-equal-to 25 years) college students to assess the signific
ance of mean differences in rigidity scores between the groups. Analys
is indicated significant differences between the groups on Personality
-Perceptual Rigidity and the Composite Rigidity Quotient, with the Non
traditional students scoring as less rigid (more flexible). Within eac
h group, women were significantly less rigid (more flexible) on Psycho
motor Speed Rigidity and on the Composite Rigidity Quotient. Results a
rgue against the belief that Nontraditional students find it difficult
to adjust readily to new situations and tasks and that rigidity incre
ases with age. Further, within both groups of students women scored as
more flexible than men. Implications of these results for higher educ
ation are discussed.