Contrary to an earlier report, this study showed that life satisfaction of 56 institutionalized elderly women was associated with internality. Satisfaction was inversely related to their perception of institutional constraints, its most powerful determinant. (Author)

Assessed impact of relocation on health and well-being of 196 nursing home residents who relocated to new facility. Relocated residents participated in program to enhance sense of control and predictability over move. Analyses of medical records, nurses' ratings, and interviews strongly suggest that move had no negative effect on residents as…

Describes political and social action group of cognitively intact nursing home residents, organized in response to residents' desire to work on social issues and coordinated by recreational therapist who expected participation to maximize residents' autonomy and sense of control. Benefits mentioned by participants included opportunity to…

Learned helplessness often precedes depression. The elderly are more likely than the general population to be faced with uncontrollable events which may bring on learned helplessness. Intervention by gerontological counselors has been useful in reducing effects of helplessness. With pseudohelplessness, persons act helpless in order to control…