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Healthy Habits: The Connection between Diet, Exercise, and Locus of Control

Author

Listed:
  • Deborah A. Cobb-Clark

    (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne; and Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA))

  • Sonja C. Kassenboehmer

    (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne)

  • Stefanie Schurer

    (School of Economics and Finance, Victoria University of Wellington; and Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA))

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationship between individuals' locus of control and their decisions to exercise regularly, eat well, drink moderately, and avoid tobacco. Our primary goal is to assess the relative importance of the alternative pathways that potentially link locus of control to healthy habits. We find that individuals with an internal locus of control are more likely to eat well and exercise regularly. This link cannot be explained by the extent to which they are future-orientated and value their health, however. There are important gender differences in explaining the link between perceptions of control and healthy habits. Men with an internal locus of control expect to have higher health returns to their investments in diet and exercise. In contrast, women with an internal locus of control maintain healthy habits because they derive greater satisfaction from those activities than women with external control tendencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Deborah A. Cobb-Clark & Sonja C. Kassenboehmer & Stefanie Schurer, 2012. "Healthy Habits: The Connection between Diet, Exercise, and Locus of Control," Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series wp2012n15, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne.
    • Handle: RePEc:iae:iaewps:wp2012n15
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    File URL: http://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/downloads/working_paper_series/wp2012n15.pdf
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    JEL classification:

    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • J3 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs
    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General

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