CIGARETTE SMOKE, ALCOHOLISM AND OBESITY - RISK FACTORS FOR PREMATURE DEATH

For self improvement it is advisable to shift our focus from external circumstances to internal factors, such as effort and intentions. This idea finds expression in today's concern about transforming "victimhood" to "empowerment," or, in the language of academic research, from "helplessness" to "self-efficacy." A recent study shows the sense of personal control over our lives and points to the effect of this factor on longevity.

Close to 900 adults participating in a study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan who explored their favored roles in life, such as spouse, grandparent, friend, homemaker, provider, volunteer worker, club or church member. The participants determined which of their various roles were their favorite. They then evaluated that role for the degree of personal control they felt concerning the performance of that role.

The results of the study reported in Psychology and Aging, showed that there was a definite relationship between the degree of personal control the participants felt in a favored role and whether that person engaged in healthy or unhealthy behaviours and whether or not that person was alive six years later.

The participants who scored higher on role-specific personal control measures tended to adopt healthier behaviours and lived longer. On the other hand, the participants who scored lower on role-specific personal control measures were more likely to indulge in smoking, alcoholism and obesity; all risk factors for premature deaths.