Articlegreen2014

Perceived control reduces mortality risk at low, not high, education levels.

Nicholas A. Turiano · Benjamin P. Chapman · Stefan Agrigoroaei · Frank J. Infurna · Margie E. Lachman

114 citations0/0 files storedHealth Psychology

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Health disparities and outcomes Health, psychology, and well-being Health and Wellbeing Research

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Both higher levels of educational attainment and a strong sense of control over one's life independently predict better health and longevity. Evidence also suggests that these 2 factors may combine in multiplicative ways to influence subjective reports of health. METHOD: In the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) national sample (N = 6,135; age = 25 to 75 years), we tested whether stronger beliefs of control over one's life would moderate the effect of education on 14-year mortality risk. RESULTS: Proportional hazards modeling indicated that both current levels of education and control beliefs were associated with lower risk of dying, over and above childhood socioeconomic level. In addition, there was a significant interaction between education and control beliefs. Among those low in education, higher control beliefs were associated with a decreased mortality risk. However, at greater levels of education, control beliefs were not associated with mortality risk. This effect remained after adjusting for potential confounding variables, including health behaviors, depressed affect, and general health (chronic illnesses, functional limitations, and self-rated health). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the importance of individual perceptions of control in buffering the mortality risk associated with educational disadvantage.

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Cited by

2019Psychological well-being as part of the public health debate? Insight into dimensions, interventions, and policy 2015Persistent psychological well-being predicts improved self-rated health over 9–10 years: Longitudinal evidence from MIDUS 2016General Self-Efficacy and Mortality in the USA; Racial Differences 2016Race, sense of control over life, and short-term risk of mortality among older adults in the United States 2016Socioeconomic status, psychological resources, and inflammatory markers: Results from the MIDUS study.

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