Objective Control and Well-Being in Assisted Living Settings

Abstract

The present study sampled 85 residents of assisted living facilities and delineated two groups based on functional independence, or objective control. The groups were then compared on measures of life satisfaction and affective experience. No significant differences were found on these criteria, suggesting that personal control capabilities are less instrumental in determining well-being among this population. Implications include the possibility that assisted living arrangements for older adults may assuage the often-observed decline in well-being reported under conditions of lesser functional capabilities.

Key Words:

• Assisted living
• life satisfaction
• objective control
• older adults
• subjective control
• well-being