Do Cultural Identity and Control Perceptions have any Bearing on how Satisfied we are with our Lives?

Abstract

The role of perceived control in well-being and its relation to age is well established. Much less understood is the relationship of subjective cultural orientation to well-being and control, particularly primary and secondary forms of control. This study examined the relationship among cultural orientation, age, and well-being to control. Two hundred and sixty-five ethnically diverse adults (ages 18 to 88) from Southeastern parts of the United States participated in the study. Results of correlation and multiple regression analyses indicated that cultural orientation, age, and well-being were significantly and differentially related to forms of primary and secondary control. Associations of forms of primary and secondary control to the collectivism and individualism constructs appear congruent with collectivism and individualism values. Older adults in this sample enjoyed higher life satisfaction, relative to younger adults, and used more secondary control coping strategies. In general, a greater life satisfaction was associated with selective primary control and positive reappraisal secondary control. Potential implications for clinical practice and further research are discussed.