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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.

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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.

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