Leisure, Perceptions of Control, and Well-Being: Implications for the Institutionalized Elderly
Savell, Keith Stuart
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/70949
Description
Title
Leisure, Perceptions of Control, and Well-Being: Implications for the Institutionalized Elderly
Author(s)
Savell, Keith Stuart
Issue Date
1988
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Kelly, John,
Department of Study
Leisure Studies
Discipline
Leisure Studies
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Gerontology
Health Sciences, Recreation
Abstract
From a wellness perspective, limited opportunities for self-determination and control have been found to impact upon both physiological health and subjective well-being. Gerontological investigation of this issue has found that older adults who perceive themselves as able to control meaningful elements of their environment are both physiologically and psychologically healthier than those who do not perceive themselves as such. Research further suggests that the mortality among institutionalized older adults may be lower for residents who perceive control than for those who do not. These findings and others, therefore encourage the therapeutic facilitation of opportunities for control for this population. Through such opportunities, some of the many declines in physiological well-being and subjective well-being normally associated with increasing age may be inhibited and, perhaps, reversed.
This study sought to determine the efficacy of providing opportunities for self-determination for the institutionalized elderly within a leisure context, as well as the extent to which such opportunities may impact upon perceived physical health and subjective well-being. An intervention strategy was utilized. Subjects from two intermediate care nursing homes were exposed to differential opportunities for choice and decision making in an effort to enhance perceived control. Subjects within the choice groups were provided either the opportunity to choose to participate in the daily (experimental) leisure program, or the opportunity to select from among four equally interesting activity alternatives while in the program, or both. Subjects in the no-choice group were afforded neither choice, while subjects in the base-line group completed only the repeated measure of the dependent variables. Pre and post-test measures were completed by all subjects.
A split plot (repeated measures) factorial design failed to identify the presence of any statistically significant differences between those groups on any of the dependent variables.
The subject pool, nursing home environment, dependent measures and the experimental design are each reviewed as to their potential contribution to these findings, and suggestions for subsequent research efforts are offered. Implications for the development and delivery of general recreation and therapeutic and recreation services for the institutionalized elderly are also discussed. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)
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