Locus of control as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive function in midlife

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Cognitive decline has limited identified modifiable risk factors.
• External locus of control (LoC) is associated with adverse health outcomes.
• Limited research exists on the relationship between LoC and adult cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between locus of control (LoC) and cognitive function in midlife.
• To examine the impact of changes in LoC over time on cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Study included 1178 women from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.
• Locus of control (LoC) measured prospectively at mean ages 30 and 48 years using the Nowicki-Strickland scale.
• Cognitive function assessed at mean age 51 years.

Main Results:

• Greater externality in LoC was associated with lower cognitive function at both measured time points.
• Women with external LoC at age 48 had significantly lower cognitive function scores compared to internal LoC.
• Participants transitioning from external to internal LoC demonstrated better cognitive function than those remaining external.

Conclusions:

• An external locus of control (LoC) may negatively impact cognitive function.
• Interventions promoting an internal LoC could potentially mitigate adverse effects on cognitive health.
• LoC represents a potential modifiable target for cognitive health strategies.