Distinguishing between self-control and perceived control over the environment to understand disadvantaged neighbourhood health and lifestyle outcomes

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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.

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Gillebaart, M., & De Ridder, D. T. D. (2019). Distinguishing between self-control and perceived control over the environment to understand disadvantaged neighbourhood health and lifestyle outcomes. Psychology and Health, 34(11), 1282–1293. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2019.1591409

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