MOBILITY, SELF-ESTEEM, SOCIAL INTERACTION, AND PERCEIVED CONTROL AS PREDICTORS OF LIFE SATISFACTION IN ELDERLY NONINSTITUTIONALIZED PERSONS.
Contributors: University of Texas at Austin.
Published: 1988
Number of pages: 197
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Gerontology.
Description: The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate variables that predict life satisfaction in elderly persons. A synthesis of activity theory, contingency theory, and social learning theory was the foundation of the study.

One research question was addressed. Among verbally responsive, elderly adults living in their own home or apartment or in the home of another, which of the following variables best predict life satisfaction: social interaction, desired personal control, perceived situational control, congruence of personal control, self-esteem, or mobility, with social position and health status held constant?.

One hundred and eighty-eight individuals participated in the study. The sample and the division of it for cross-validation were purposive.

Instruments used were the Life Satisfaction Index A (18 items, alpha.81); three subscales from the Self Evaluation of Life Function Scale: physical disability/mobility (13 items, alpha.89), social satisfaction (6 items, alpha.65), and self-esteem (7 items, alpha.80); the Desired Control Measure (32 items, alpha.75); Hollingshead's Two Factor Index of Social Position (2 items, alpha.74) and the Self-Rated Health Subscale of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Multilevel Assessment Instrument (4 items, alpha.74). Hierarchical and stepwise multiple regression were used to analyze the data.

Perceived control and social interaction were the only two variables that consistently and significantly added to health and social position as predictors of life satisfaction. These four variables accounted for fifty percent of the variation in life satisfaction (R =.71, R$\sp\□rm 2 □$=.50, F = 21.97, p $<$.001).

The stability of the initial regression equation was confirmed by two procedures. Multiple correlation results from the initial group and the cross-validation group were compared (z =.364, p $>$.05). Predicted life satisfaction scores for the cross-validation group were computed utilizing the equation developed by the initial group. When the predicted scores were compared with the actual scores, the difference was not significant (t =.91, df = 91, p $>$.05).

The findings strongly support social learning theory and activity theory; however, contingency theory received minimal support. Implications for nursing practice and education are discussed. Recommendations for further research are presented.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 50-05, Section: B, page: 1858.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, 1988.

School code: 0227.