Subjective residual life expectancy in health self-regulation.
Applying socioemotional selectivity theory to the domain of health, we examined the interplay of social-cognitive predictors of physical exercise in two groups of people who perceived their remaining lifetime as either expansive or limited (based on subjective longevity ratings). Individuals (N = 370) who were prescribed physical exercise were assessed at discharge from orthopedic rehabilitation as well as 6 and 12 months later. Multigroup structural equation modeling showed differences in latent means, interrelations of predictors, and amount of explained variance. Individuals who perceived their time as limited reported a less favorable profile on social-cognitive variables and less exercise goal attainment. We give first insights on how health self-regulation differs in these groups, and we discuss avenues for intervention based on socioemotional selectivity theory. In contrast to chronological age, subjective life expectancy can be targeted by intervention.
Ziegelmann
Jochen P
JP
Department of Health Psychology, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany. jochenzi@zedat.fu-berlin.de
Lippke
Sonia
S
Schwarzer
Ralf
R
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003071:Cognition; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D012307:Risk Factors; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012919:Social Behavior; D012927:Social Control, Informal; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires