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Age differences in perceptions of control in social relationships
Elizabeth L Hay1, Karen L Fingerman
1Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-5911, USA. ehay@ufl.edu
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|March 11, 2005
Summary
Perceptions of control in relationships are influenced by both individual traits and relationship characteristics. Factors like relationship quality and marital status significantly impact how much control individuals feel they have.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Human Development
Background:
- Limited research exists on perceptions of control within interpersonal relationships.
- Understanding factors influencing relationship control is crucial for psychological well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how individual characteristics and relationship features affect perceptions of control.
- To explore age-related differences in relationship control perceptions.
Main Methods:
- 187 individuals (aged 13-99) reported on close and problematic relationships.
- Multilevel modeling analyzed the association between relationship features, individual characteristics, and control perceptions.
Main Results:
- Both relationship features and individual characteristics significantly predicted perceptions of control.
- Higher control was reported in marital relationships and those with better quality and fewer worries.
- Age differences in control perceptions may stem from age-related changes in parent-child relationship control.
Conclusions:
- Perceptions of control in relationships are multifaceted, influenced by personal and relational factors.
- Marital status, relationship quality, and worry levels are key determinants of perceived control.
- Age influences control perceptions, potentially through developmental shifts in familial relationships.