Sense of Control, Job Stressors, and Well-Being: Inter-relations and Reciprocal Effects Among Older U.S. Workers

The purpose of this study was to examine dynamic relations among job stressors, sense of control, and well-being among older working adults. Sense of control can be especially important among older adults given their potential vulnerability due to declining resources in health and work ability. Drawing on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, we examined relations between job stressors and sense of control as they relate to older workers' well-being, along with reciprocal relations between sense of control and both job and life satisfaction. Using 3 waves of survey data from 477 older working U.S. adults (age 51+) in the Health and Retirement Study, we examined cross-lagged model results and found reciprocal relations between sense of control and both job and life satisfaction. Results highlight the key role of sense of control in maintaining well-being among older workers. These findings resonate with COR, suggesting that sense of control both affects and is affected by individuals' well-being. Our study sheds light on dynamic processes involving job stressors, sense of control, and well-being and underscores the importance of promoting sense of control for older working adults.