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Predictors of Health Locus of Control in Older Adults

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Abstract

Health locus of control has been shown to influence how individuals approach their health and health-related decisions. The present study examined the variables predictive of older adults’ health locus of control. A total of 261 adults aged 54–84 years completed a questionnaire about their health, approach to health, and background information about themselves. The results revealed that demographic indicators, health-related variables, and psychological variables—particularly health risk tolerance, future time perspective, health self-efficacy, and emotional instability—were related to older adults’ health locus of control. Findings have implications for programs aimed at modifying older adults’ health locus of control.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate Center for Gerontolgy, University of Kentucky, 306 Wethington Health Sciences Building, Lexington, KY, 40536–0200, USA

    Joy M. Jacobs-Lawson & Erin L. Waddell

  2. Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA

    Alicia K. Webb

Authors
  1. Joy M. Jacobs-Lawson
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  2. Erin L. Waddell
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  3. Alicia K. Webb
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Correspondence to Joy M. Jacobs-Lawson.

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Jacobs-Lawson, J.M., Waddell, E.L. & Webb, A.K. Predictors of Health Locus of Control in Older Adults. Curr Psychol 30, 173–183 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-011-9108-z

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