This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Menec, V. H. Articles by Chipperfield, J. G. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Menec, V. H. Articles by Chipperfield, J. G. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Remaining Active in Later Life

The Role of Locus of Control in Seniors' Leisure Activity Participation, Health, and Life Satisfaction

University of California, Los Angeles

Judith G. Chipperfield, PhD

University of Manitoba

Although the physical and psychological benefits of feeling in control are well-documented in the research literature, the mechanisms that account for these effects have received less attention. The present study was designed to examine the potential mediating role of exercising and participation in nonphysical leisure activities, such as attending cultural events, involvement in volunteer organizations, and so on, in the relation between perceived control and well-being in seniors. The results indicated that an internal locus of control was positively related to exercising and participation in leisure activities. Exercising and leisure activity participation, in turn, were predictive of better perceived health and greater life satisfaction. These findings point to the potential benefits of increasing seniors' sense of control as a means to promote exercising and to increase leisure activity participation and, consequently, to enhance well-being.

Journal of Aging and Health, Vol. 9, No. 1, 105-125 (1997)
DOI: 10.1177/089826439700900106


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. J. Angel, J. L. Angel, and T. D. Hill Subjective Control and Health Among Mexican-Origin Elders in Mexico and the United States: Structural Considerations in Comparative Research J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci, May 1, 2009; 64B(3): 390 - 401. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. S. Bailis, J. G. Chipperfield, R. P. Perry, N. E. Newall, and T. L. Haynes Exploring the Commonalities Between Adaptive Resources and Self-Enhancement in Older Adults' Comparative Judgments of Physical Activity J Aging Health, December 1, 2008; 20(8): 899 - 919. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. G. Chipperfield, N. E. Newall, L. P. Chuchmach, A. U. Swift, and T. L. Haynes Differential Determinants of Men's and Women's Everyday Physical Activity in Later Life J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci, July 1, 2008; 63(4): S211 - S218. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. Hwang Attitudes of Persons With Physical Disabilities Toward Physician-Assisted Death: An Exploratory Assessment of the Vulnerability Argument Journal of Disability Policy Studies, January 1, 2005; 16(1): 16 - 21. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. G. Chipperfield, D. W. Campbell, and R. P. Perry Stability in Perceived Control: Implications for Health among Very Old Community-Dwelling Adults J Aging Health, February 1, 2004; 16(1): 116 - 147. [Abstract] [PDF]

				G. Hersch, J. Spencer, and T. Kapoor Adaptation by Elders to New Living Arrangements Following Hospitalization: A Qualitative, Retrospective Analysis Journal of Applied Gerontology, September 1, 2003; 22(3): 315 - 339. [Abstract] [PDF]

				V. H. Menec The Relation Between Everyday Activities and Successful Aging: A 6-Year Longitudinal Study J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci, March 1, 2003; 58(2): S74 - S82. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. S. Bailis and J. G. Chipperfield Compensating for Losses in Perceived Personal Control Over Health: A Role for Collective Self-Esteem in Healthy Aging J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci, November 1, 2002; 57(6): P531 - P539. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Silverstein and M. G. Parker Leisure Activities and Quality of Life among the Oldest Old in Sweden Research on Aging, September 1, 2002; 24(5): 528 - 547. [Abstract] [PDF]

				L. D. Frazier, P. M. Johnson, G. K. Gonzalez, and C. L. Kafka Psychosocial influences on possible selves: A comparison of three cohorts of older adults International Journal of Behavioral Development, July 1, 2002; 26(4): 308 - 317. [Abstract] [PDF]

				W. J. Rejeski and S. L. Mihalko Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Older Adults J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, October 1, 2001; 56(suppl_2): 23 - 35. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]