Sociodemographic variations in the sense of control by domain: findings from the MacArthur studies of midlife.
Past research has focused on general control beliefs with little attention to whether control beliefs vary across domains. Also, most age-comparative studies have examined control beliefs in younger and older adults but not in middle-aged adults. This study examined assessments of control in 7 domains for a large probability sample of adults 25-75 years in age. Results revealed differential age patterns across domains: Increases in control by age were found for control over work, finances, and marriage, whereas decreases were found for control over relationship with children and sex life. Control beliefs in some domains also varied by gender and education, but the age patterns were consistent across these sociodemographic groups. Domain-specific control beliefs were significantly related to a variety of domain-relevant experiences and outcomes.
Lachman
M E
ME
Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02254, USA. lachman@binah.cc.brandeis.edu
Weaver
S L
SL
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011897:Random Allocation; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D012930:Social Dominance; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors