Abstract

The presence of Meaning in life (MIL) and an internal locus of control (LOC) are both separately strong positive predictors for one’s well-being. However, researchers are not sure how to improve these constructs long-term. The purpose of this study is to discover how one may create lasting improvements in MIL and LOC. This study is a longitudinal experiment that successfully partnered with a local nursing home, two qualities that are not typical for a student research project. Two researchers by the names of Langer & Rodin (1976) created improved well-being outcomes in elderly individuals living in a nursing home by giving them personal responsibility. Theory suggests that it is an improvement in MIL & LOC that drives this relationship between responsibility and well-being. In this study we replicate the method from the Langer & Rodin (1976) study. Like them we plan to give elderly nursing home residents responsibility, specifically the responsibility to care for a plant. Before and after the experimental manipulation, their well-being, LOC, and MIL will be tracked. When voluntarily accepting responsibility, we expect to see better well-being outcomes as seen in Langer & Rodin (1976), as well as an increase in MIL and LOC, compared to the control group. Specifically, we expect to see MIL & LOC mediate the relationship between responsibility and well-being.