Reciprocal relationship between sense of control and social support: a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model

Although prior research has indicated the relationship between sense of control and social support in the context of older adults' well-being, little attention has been given to examining the inter-relationship between them longitudinally. Shedding light on the relationship between sense of control and social support, this study aimed to examine the reciprocal relationship between them, considering the two dimensions of sense of control (mastery/constraints) and the distinctive effects of different sources of social support (family/friends support). We also explored the gender differences in the associations.

This study included 9540 individuals 50 and older from the Health and Retirement study (HRS; 2006/2008, 2010/2012, 2014/2016, and 2018/2020). To observe intra-individual changes in the relationship between sense of control and social support over time, we used a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model with the four waves. We also conducted multi-group analyses to examine the moderating effect of gender on the associations.

We found that sense of control and social support were concurrently related. Although not consistent across waves, mastery and constraints predicted friends support among women.

This study suggests that sense of control may emerge as significant for women's perceived social support from friends, while it may not hold the same importance for men.