Distinguishing between self-control and perceived control over the environment to understand disadvantaged neighbourhood health and lifestyle outcomes. Issue 11 (2nd November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gillebaart, Marleen; De Ridder, Denise T. D.
• Is Part Of: Psychology & health. Volume 34:Issue 11(2019)
• Page Start: 1282
• Page End: 1293
• Publication Date: 2019-11-02
• Subjects: Self-control -- perceived control -- sense of mastery -- neighbourhood -- health -- wellbeing; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; Attitude to Health -- Periodicals; Public Opinion -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2019.1591409
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-0446

Abstract

Abstract: Objective : The current study aimed to test whether and how self-control and perceived control play a role in health outcomes and lifestyle differences between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Design : Cross-sectional survey data including demographics was collected from 3758 participants. Main outcome measures: With the survey, self-control, perceived control, health status and lifestyle variables were assessed. Results : Participants in disadvantaged neighbourhoods reported poorer general health, as well as unhealthier lifestyles compared to participants in non-disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Self-control was likewise positively associated with health and lifestyle variables. However, self-control did not differ between participants from different neighbourhoods. Perceived control over the environment mediated between type of neighbourhood and health, with participants from a disadvantaged neighbourhood reporting a lower sense of perceived control, which in turn was associated with poorer self-reported general health and less healthy lifestyle choices. Conclusion : This reveals that perceived control over one's life and the environment is more important than self-control when explaining health differences between neighbourhoods.