Locus of control, morale and functional status in the institutionalized elderly

Abstract

A descriptive study was conducted to explore whether locus of control and morale had an effect on the physical ability of institutionalized elderly. A convenience sample of 20 men and women over the age of 65 living in a skilled nursing facility was used as the sample population. Quantitative research techniques were employed for data collection and analysis. No statistically significant relationship was found among the study variables of morale, locus of control or functional status. The length of time one had spent in the nursing facility did correlate with actual functional status. The male subjects indicated a higher perception in internal control of their lives while the female subjects showed a higher degree of positive adaptation in the nursing home setting, as measured by morale. Seventy-eight percent of the sample population viewed their health as either fair or poor. None of the subjects thought their health was excellent.