The relationship between self-concept and locus of control and patterns of eating, exercise, and social participation in older adults

Social scientists are increasingly engaged in trying to understand who among older adults may be vulnerable to the stresses which often accompany aging. One approach is to try to discover how behavior may suggest that psychological coping capacities are beginning to be threatened. This investigation was designed to extend knowledge of the relationships between two personality constructs, self-concept and locus of control, and three aspects of everyday behavior in older adults. The study question was: is there a relationship between self-concept and locus of control and patterns of eating, exercise, and social participation in older adults living in the community. Fourteen personal characteristics were also included in the examination of relationships. Four hypotheses and two exploratory questions guided the investigation