Perceived control over development and subjective well-being: differential benefits across adulthood
1Department of Education, Homboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Faculty of Arts IV, Germany. flang@rz.hu-berlin.de
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|September 14, 2001
Summary
Perceived control over development (PCD) is linked to subjective well-being (SWB) throughout adulthood. Age influences this relationship, suggesting adaptive adjustments in control perceptions across the lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Subjective well-being (SWB) is crucial across the lifespan.
- Perceived control over development (PCD) may influence SWB.
- Understanding age-related changes in PCD and SWB is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between PCD and SWB across adulthood.
- To investigate the moderating role of chronological age in the PCD-SWB association.
- To explore age differences in attributions for goal attainment.
Main Methods:
- Three studies were conducted with adult participants aged 20-90 years.
- Study 1: Cross-sectional analysis of 480 adults.
- Study 2: Longitudinal study with 42 older adults.
- Study 3: Comparative analysis of younger and older adults' attributions.
Main Results:
- PCD was strongly associated with SWB across adulthood.
- Chronological age moderated the PCD-SWB relationship, independent of health, intelligence, social support, and SES.
- Older adults' positive affect increased with PCD only after desirable events; younger adults showed a different pattern.
- Older adults attributed goal success to ability, while younger adults attributed it to effort.
Conclusions:
- PCD is a significant correlate of SWB throughout adulthood.
- Age-related adaptive adjustments in control perceptions align with actual control potentials.
- Findings highlight the dynamic interplay between control, well-being, and aging.
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