The Relationship of Locus of Control, Age, and Sex to Life Satisfaction and Death Anxiety in Older Persons

Abstract

The present study examined Rotter's Internal-External (I-E) locus of control (LOC) concept in relation to life satisfaction and death anxiety in an aged population. Age and sex of the individual were also considered. In the case of life satisfaction, a strong sex and a strong locus of control effect were found. For death anxiety, again a strong sex effect was found, but there was also a significant interaction between locus of control and age. The article suggests the need for a life span developmental perspective in LOC research. Studies which explore the influence of life experiences, situational and environmental variables, and their effect on control orientation are also needed.