Locus of control, self-control, and health outcomes

We provide the first empirical evidence on the direct link between locus of control and self-control, and how they interact in explaining a range of health outcomes. Using rich Australian survey data, we find that, while the two traits are distinct constructs, a greater internal locus of control is...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ferdi Botha, Sarah C. Dahmann
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-03-01
Series:SSM: Population Health
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352827323002318
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author Ferdi Botha
Sarah C. Dahmann
author_facet Ferdi Botha
Sarah C. Dahmann
author_sort Ferdi Botha
collection DOAJ
description We provide the first empirical evidence on the direct link between locus of control and self-control, and how they interact in explaining a range of health outcomes. Using rich Australian survey data, we find that, while the two traits are distinct constructs, a greater internal locus of control is associated with higher self-control. The association between locus of control and health is reduced once we control for self-control, suggesting that self-control mediates at least part of this relationship. Finally, an internal locus of control amplifies the beneficial effects of self-control particularly for physical health.
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spelling doaj.art-98441fb4ccf748d5b8f2996a56ca29532023-11-29T04:24:41ZengElsevierSSM: Population Health2352-82732024-03-0125101566Locus of control, self-control, and health outcomesFerdi Botha0Sarah C. Dahmann1The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research; ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course; Corresponding author. Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research. Level 5, FBE Building, 111 Barry St., The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research; ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course; Institute of Labor Economics (IZAWe provide the first empirical evidence on the direct link between locus of control and self-control, and how they interact in explaining a range of health outcomes. Using rich Australian survey data, we find that, while the two traits are distinct constructs, a greater internal locus of control is associated with higher self-control. The association between locus of control and health is reduced once we control for self-control, suggesting that self-control mediates at least part of this relationship. Finally, an internal locus of control amplifies the beneficial effects of self-control particularly for physical health.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352827323002318D91I12I31
spellingShingle Ferdi Botha
Sarah C. Dahmann
Locus of control, self-control, and health outcomes
SSM: Population Health
D91
I12
I31
title Locus of control, self-control, and health outcomes
title_full Locus of control, self-control, and health outcomes
title_fullStr Locus of control, self-control, and health outcomes
title_full_unstemmed Locus of control, self-control, and health outcomes
title_short Locus of control, self-control, and health outcomes
title_sort locus of control self control and health outcomes
topic D91
I12
I31
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352827323002318
work_keys_str_mv AT ferdibotha locusofcontrolselfcontrolandhealthoutcomes
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