The present research examined the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic goal attainment on older adults' ego-integrity, psychological well-being, and death attitudes. Hypotheses were derived from Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000; Vansteenkiste, Ryan, & Deci, in press). Study 1 (N = 202, Mean age = 68.2 years) indicated that, after…

Positive self-concept correlated with belief in one's internal locus of desired control. Examining only institutionalized subjects, the first study found this relationship to be prominent for male subjects. In the second study, comparing institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly, this relationship was again most prominent for…

Measured selected health-related effects of association with companion-animals on humans. The sample consisted of predominantly elderly veterans (N=56), who did or did not live with pets, that comprised the census of a home care program. No significant differences were observed. (Author/JAC)

Internal locus of control and higher life satisfaction appear to be significantly associated. This association remained stable and significant when controlling on the effects of self-rated health and income, suggesting that internal control is related to life satisfaction independent of health level or monetary resources. (Author)

The ability to function independently in the later years has been defined as a combination of capability and support. To examine factors affecting older adults' use of services provided in an accommodating environment, 52 physically independent residents of an Arizona apartment complex for the elderly were surveyed. Time spent living in the…

This study hypothisized that when a person perceives his social network as constricted, and this constriction has been a "conscious" decision by that individual, then he or she should express little death anxiety. Subjects were 38 individuals who were at least age 60. Of these, 18 were members of the Gray Panthers (with expanding numbers of social…

The relationship of family variables to locus of control, under the hypothesis that a larger and more cohesive family provides greater reinforcement for the elderly person's actions was investigated. Elderly persons (N=200) aged 60-90 were interviewed at home and given Rotter's I-E scale. In a regression analysis, after removing effects of age and…

This study determined relative importance of physical, psychological, and social variables to type of control that middle-aged adults (N=337) perceive over their environment. Factors reflective of the process of acculturation such as self-concept, religious motivation, and occupation maintained the strongest relationship to perceived control.…

Many gerontologists have noted the tendency of nursing homes to nurture dependency and learned helplessness in residents. To test the effectiveness of a control-relevant intervention strategy, nursing home residents (N=40) were given the opportunity to care for wild birds by tending individually placed bird feeders. Residents were assigned to one…

Control over self, lifestyle, and environment is a major factor in how one ages. To investigate how age acts as an environmental force in affecting perceptions of control, 45 adults, aged 60-80, from western Kansas were administered the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), the Tiffany Experienced Control Scales (ECS), the Minnesota…

The major purpose of the present study was to examine empirically the independent and interactive effects of the situational event of retirement and cumulative influences attributed to the impact of satisfaction with noted life events upon locus of control (LOC). Ss included males over 55 years who had participated in a national survey. Variables…

Suggests that the established life history approach to the study of aging has been reformulated to include the macrostructural and cultural context. Demonstrates the utility of some core concepts in social phenomenology and ethnomethodology, particularly Schutz's concept of biographical work, for developing this new conception of the self.…

Because of increases in life expectancy and early retirement, the quality of life during retirement is of concern to many people. Previous research has found that health and adequate income have consistently been related to life satisfaction during retirement. Several satisfaction measures were administered to a group of 55 retired coal miners.…

A review of research literature pertaining to locus of control in older adults and its application to social and educational settings indicates that reliable generalizations about the self-concept of older adults require a careful consideration of both personal and situational variables. Four separate processes are useful in understanding the…