The relation between home environment and two modalities of perceived control: primary control (PC) and secondary control (SC), was investigated. PC and SC refer to efforts exerted to: a) adapt the environment to the residents' needs and attainment of goals; b) adapt to the environment. The non-probabilistic quota sample was composed of 315 residents in Brasília-DF, Brazil, (105 male; 210 female), between 60 and 92 years old. Data were collected through interviews at the respondents' households. Results indicated: 1) Inverse correlation between PC and social density of the home environment - DESAM (r = -0.119; p < 0.05); 2) Perceived control was significantly higher among elderly who had their own bedroom (t = 2.21; df = 313; p < 0.05) compared to those who did not have an exclusive bedroom. The results suggest that low DESAM favors PC in this stage of life, when many activities are performed at home, and freedom of action and privacy are very important needs.
Environmental psychology; Developmental psychology; Housing; Aged
