Sociodemographic variations in the sense of control by domain: Findings from the MacArthur studies of midlife

Past research has focused on general control beliefs with little attention to whether control beliefs vary across domains. Also, most age-comparative studies have examined control beliefs in younger and older adults but not i n middle-aged adults. This study examined assessments of control in 7 domai ns for a large probability sample of adults 25-75 years in age. Results rev ealed differential age patterns across domains: Increases in control by age were found for control over work, finances, and marriage, whereas decrease s were found for control over relationship with children and sex life. Cont rol beliefs in some domains also varied by gender and education, but the ag e patterns were consistent across these sociodemographic groups. Domain-spe cific control beliefs were significantly related to a variety of domain-rel evant experiences and outcomes.