Sense of Control Mediates the Relation between Discrimination and Executive Functions in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite previous findings of a negative association between everyday discrimination and executive functions (EF) - a set of domain-general cognitive control processes - in middle-aged and older adults, less is known about the underlying mechanism. Thus, we focused on sense on control and its two facets - perceived constraints and personal mastery - as potential psychosocial mediators of this relation. METHODS: By analyzing a nationally representative adult cohort from the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) 2 study, we examined two mediational models: a single mediation model with sense of control and a parallel mediation model with perceived constraints and personal mastery as mediators. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling analyses showed that sense of control, as well as personal mastery and perceived constraints, mediated the relationship between discrimination and EF in middle-aged and older adults. This held true when we controlled for age, race, gender, education, and health status. CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the unique and distinctive roles of sense of control and its two facets in the relation between everyday discrimination and EF in middle-aged and older adults.
Source: Experimental Aging Research
Authors: Wee Qin Ng, Gilaine Rui Ng, Hwajin Yang
Institution: Singapore Management University
Language: English
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4304014393