Locus of Control, Self-Control, and Health Outcomes

Ferdi Botha and Sarah C. Dahmann

No 15306, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: We provide the first empirical evidence on the direct link between locus of control and self-control, and how they interact in explaining a range of health outcomes. Using rich Australian survey data, we find that, while the two traits are distinct constructs, a greater internal locus of control is associated with higher self-control. The association between locus of control and health is reduced once we control for self-control, suggesting that self-control mediates at least part of this relationship. Finally, an internal locus of control amplifies the beneficial effects of self-control particularly for physical health.

Keywords: health; self-control; locus of control; health behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D91 I12 I31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 31 pages
Date: 2022-05
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cbe, nep-hea and nep-neu
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

Published - published in: SSM - Population Health, 2024, 25, 101566

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