Reuters
June 20, 2008
Children who believe they have control over their lives may grow up to be healthier adults, new research suggests.
The study of more than 7,500 British adults, found those who, by age 10, had what's called an "internal locus of control" - meaning they believed they could influence events - were less likely to be overweight at age 30.
They were also less likely to describe their health as poor, or show high levels of psychological stress, according to the study in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.
Children with an internal locus of control probably "behave more healthily as adults" because "they have greater confidence in their ability to influence outcomes through their own actions," explained lead researcher Catharine Gale.
They may also have higher self-esteem which encourages them to take up healthy habits, Gale said.
Copyright Reuters.
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