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Journal of Health Psychology, Vol. 12, No. 2, 231-248 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1359105307074250
© 2007 SAGE Publications

Detrimental Effects of Falling on Health and Well-being in Later Life

The Mediating Roles of Perceived Control and Optimism

Joelle C. Ruthig

University of North Dakota, USA, joelle.ruthig{at}und.nodak.edu

Judith G. Chipperfield

University of Manitoba, Canada

Nancy E. Newall

University of Manitoba, Canada

Raymond P. Perry

University of Manitoba, Canada

Nathan C. Hall

University of Manitoba, Canada

Falling is common among older adults, often resulting in decreased functional ability and quality of life. To understand processes underlying the fall/health and well-being relationship, it is important to identify psychosocial mediators. The current study examined the impact of falling on subsequent physical health, negative emotions and physical activity among 231 young-old (<85) and old-old (85+) community-dwelling adults, and the mediating effects of global perceived control (PC) and optimism. Regression results indicated that falling predicted poorer physical health, greater negative emotions and less physical activity among old-old but not young-old adults. Falling negatively predicted PC and optimism, which mediated the effects of falling on health and well-being among the old-old group. Findings have implications for enhancing recovery from falling via bolstering PC and optimism.

Key Words: aging • falling • optimism • perceived control • self-rated health • well-being


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