Discriminators of Internal and External Locus of Control Orientation in the Elderly

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of internal and external locus of control in the elderly to health and ability to function. Interviews were conducted with 258 men and women age 65 and over. Self-assessed health was found to be more favorable in the internal control group, and more restraints such as poor eyesight, loss of hearing, problems in recent memory, inability to do shopping, and need for assistance with finances were associated with the elderly who were controlled more by external factors. Internally controlled elderly were also more active in organizations and volunteer work. The findings suggest that internal and external locus of control orientation may be influenced in the elderly by environmental and physical restraints.