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Aging and sense of control
D H Shapiro1, C A Sandman, M Grossman
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, California College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA.
Psychological Reports
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Senior citizens demonstrate a robust sense of control, comparable to younger adults. They exhibit a healthier negative control and utilize acceptance and external support for managing concerns.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Sense of control is a key factor in psychological well-being across the lifespan.
- Previous research suggests potential declines in control perception with aging.
- Understanding control beliefs in diverse age groups is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the sense of control across different adult age groups: senior citizens, young adults, and middle-aged adults.
- To investigate differences in negative control, acceptance, and external sources of control among these age cohorts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multidimensional control inventory to assess psychological constructs.
- Recruited three distinct age groups: senior citizens (n=12), young adults (n=67), and middle-aged adults (n=14).
- Employed statistical analysis to compare control perceptions between groups.
Main Results:
- Senior citizens reported an overall sense of control comparable to younger and middle-aged adults.
- Elderly participants showed a significantly lower (healthier) negative sense of control.
- Senior citizens were more inclined to endorse acceptance and external sources of control (e.g., social support, spirituality).
Conclusions:
- Aging does not necessarily lead to a diminished sense of control.
- Older adults may employ adaptive coping strategies, including acceptance and reliance on external support systems.
- Findings highlight the resilience of psychological control in later life and inform positive aging research.