Perceived personal control and subjective well-being among farmers

This study investigates the relationship between perceived personal control and subjective well-being (SWB) in New Zealand's primary industry. Drawing from a sample of 4291 survey respondents, including 2802 commercial farmers and 1489 “lifestyle block owners” (i.e. non-commercial, hobby farmers), we find a positive association between perceived personal control and SWB, even after controlling for a range of covariates. Specifically, greater perceived personal control is linked to higher levels of hedonic well-being and life satisfaction for both groups. The study also decomposes the index of perceived personal control, revealing nuanced findings regarding its components' associations with SWB. Notably, feeling in control of one's life emerges as a significant predictor of SWB while the feeling that one's experiences are due to one's actions shows weaker or inconsistent associations. These findings underscore the importance of interventions aimed at enhancing perceived personal control, particularly through strategies targeting feelings of autonomy and control over one's life to promote well-being among rural populations. The study contributes valuable insights to the literature on subjective well-being in an agricultural context and highlights the significance of perceived personal control as a determinant of well-being among decision makers in New Zealand's primary industry. • Personal control is positively associated with subjective well-being among farmers. • Personal control matters for both hedonic well-being and overall life satisfaction. • “I feel in control of my life” is an especially strong predictor of well-being. • Enhancing perceptions of personal control fosters rural well-being and resilience.