Sense of Control Among Women Religious

ABSTRACT

Sense of control was examined in a congregation of Catholic sisters ranging in age from 33 to 90. The sample size was 377. Age, educational level, career orientation, retirement status, health, self-esteem, coping ability, and support systems best explained sense of control. The older Catholic sisters in the congregation who no longer worked and who had some health limitations had lower self-esteem and, as a result, lesser sense of control than sisters who still worked and had fewer health limitations. Suggestions are made regarding enhancement of feelings of control.