RISK-TAKING, LIFE SATISFACTION, AND LOCUS OF CONTROL IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

This dissertation investigated two variables that were thought to influence risk-taking in older adults. These two variables, life satisfaction and locus of control, were employed because they tap into individual differences. Since this study was one of the few studies to address individual differences in the aged and to focus on some factors that may influence risk-taking in the aged, four research questions were raised. These questions were: (a) What is the relationship between life satisfaction and risk-taking? (b) What is the relationship between locus of control and risk-taking? (c) What is the relationship between life satisfaction and locus of control? and (d) What is the influence of life satisfaction and locus of control on risk-taking?;The results of these four questions indicated that there was no relationship between life satisfaction and risk-taking, between life satisfaction and locus of control, and that life satisfaction and locus of control do not influence risk-taking. There was a significant relationship between locus of control and risk-taking indicating that older adults who exhibited external control are more willing to take risks than older adults who exhibited internal control. The implications of these findings were discussed in terms of the need to develop hypotheses and theories about the aging process.;A brief questionnaire about social activity was also administered to the subjects to ascertain whether any of the items on that questionnaire influenced risk-taking, life satisfaction, and locus of control. The findings of this questionnaire were also discussed.