Generalized expectancy, situational perception, and morale among institutionalized aged

This article was based on a larger study which sought to identify selected personality and situational variables that contribute to high morale of the institutionalized elderly. The relationship of generalized expectancy of control and perceived situational control to morale of the institutionalized aged was examined within a framework developed for the study. Locus of control, self-report, trust, self-rated health, and the Revised Philadelphia Geriatric Morale scales as well as a situational control of daily activities (SCDA) interview schedule were administered individually to 30 residents, aged 65 to 96, in four skilled nursing facilities. Congruence between internal orientation and self-determined SCDA resulted in higher morale than incongruence; however, congruence between external orientation and other-determined situations resulted in lower morale than incongruence.