Perceived Control and Acceptance of the Decision to Enter a Nursing Home as Predictors of Adjustment

A longitudinal study of newly admitted nursing home residents examined the effects of perceived control over the relocation decision and acceptance of the relocation in general as determinants of changes in functional health and morale. Perceived control had positive effects on health during the first month of residency but negative effects on health and morale between the second and fourth months. On the other hand, acceptance had positive effects on both health and morale between the second and fourth months. Perceived control over the relocation process appears to have short-term benefits but long-term costs, whereas acceptance appears to be a separate and important coping function.