The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of perceived control in the selection and effectiveness of coping strategies used by nursing home residents. A path analysis of a model of coping effectiveness was conducted using a cluster sample of 100 nursing home residents. Respondents were assisted in completing the Importance, Locus, and Range of Activities Checklist, the Jalowiec Coping Scale, two self-anchoring ladders measuring coping effectiveness, and an item measuring perceived health. Mental status was measured with the Pfeiffer Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Results demonstrated that mental status and functional ability were positively related to perceived control (p < .01). Perceived health and the use of secondary control (e.g., prayer, getting help from family, and depending on others) were the only two variables positively influencing coping effectiveness (p < .01 and p < .05, respectively). Longitudinal studies are recommended to investigate these relationships as they evolve.
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