Perceived control over physical and mental well-being: The effects of gender, age and social class

In a cross-sectional quota based survey 1013 adults (46% male, 54% female; aged 16–65+) in Northern Ireland from ABC1, C2 and DE social class groupings were asked about the perceived influence they have over their physical and mental health, and what types of lifestyle changes can improve health. Fi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of health psychology 2013-01, Vol.18 (1), p.38-45
Main Authors: Breslin, Gavin, McCay, Naomi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Age
Age Factors
Aged
Biological and medical sciences
Class
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depression
Depression - psychology
Female
Gender
Gender differences
Hallucinogenic plants
Health Behavior
Humans
Illness
Internal-External Control
Life styles
Lifestyle
Male
Medical sciences
Mental disorders
Mental Health
Middle Aged
Mood disorders
Northern Ireland
Perceived control
Personal Satisfaction
Physical activity
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Risk Reduction Behavior
Sex Factors
Social Class
Stigma
Surveys and Questionnaires
United Kingdom
Well-being
Young Adult
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Summary:In a cross-sectional quota based survey 1013 adults (46% male, 54% female; aged 16–65+) in Northern Ireland from ABC1, C2 and DE social class groupings were asked about the perceived influence they have over their physical and mental health, and what types of lifestyle changes can improve health. Findings showed participants perceive that they have more control over their physical compared to mental health, with physical activity being the behaviour most likely to be adopted. Females were more likely than males to make lifestyle changes, including meeting friends, talking about things that were bothering them and trying relaxation techniques. These findings illustrate the need for health promotion to be directed at mental health, and encouraging males to consider adapting healthy lifestyle behaviours.
ISSN:1359-1053
1461-7277
DOI:10.1177/1359105312438600