Health locus of control in late life: a study of genetic and environmental influences in twins aged 80 years and older

Health Psychol. 2001 Jan;20(1):33-40. doi: 10.1037//0278-6133.20.1.33.

Abstract

The factor structure of health locus of control (Form A; K. A. Wallston, B. S. Wallston, & R. DeVellis, 1978) was examined in 420 octogenarians (M age = 83.2 years), and the contributions of genetic and environmental factors to health-control beliefs in 141 octogenarian twin pairs (71 identical, 70 same-sex fraternal) were estimated. Factor analyses reproduced previously proposed factors (Internal, Chance, and Powerful Others). Associations between health-control beliefs and life satisfaction, depression, and other health-related measures (e.g., self-rated health, outpatient contacts, and hospitalization), were modest. Quantitative genetic analyses revealed significant shared environmental influence on the Chance subscale, and significant familiality (attributable to a combination of genetic and shared environmental influences) on the Powerful Others subscale; there was no evidence of familiality on the Internal subscale.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Twin Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / genetics*
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Environment
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Male
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Quality of Life