Healthy elderly: social bonds and locus of control

An investigation into social relationships and their connection to health was integrated into a 5-year prospective study of nutrition and immunobiology in 300 healthy elderly persons. The data were collected from a subsample of 40 individuals by interview, using the Interview Schedule for Social Interaction (ISSI), the Rotter I-E Locus of Control Scale, and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC). This group did not differ from the general population in terms of their social relationships. The mean locus of control expectancy score was 6.5 +/- 3.3, indicating an internal group. There was a statistically significant relationship between internality and availability of social integration, but no differences based upon sex or age for the ISSI or Rotter's I-E Locus of Control Scale.