Locus of Control and Implementation of Health Regimes in Adult Insulin-Dependent Diabetics

Previous research has examined the relationship between Rotter\u27s locus of control construct and the ability of an individual to seek and retain control-relevant information. Research has also suggested that locus of control is related to one\u27s ability to execute a health regime and to the belief that one can protect his health state. This master\u27s study tested the following null hypothesis: there will be no correlation between the individual\u27s perceived locus of control and his ability to implement his diabetic regime. Twenty newly diagnosed adult insulin-. dependent diabetics were interviewed at home eight weeks post-discharge from a hospital. Each participant completed an abbreviated form of Rotter\u27s Internal-External Locus of Control Scale, which was followed by an interview structured to secure data regarding the participant\u27s knowledge, skills, current health practices, and problem-solving abilities relative to the health requirements associated with insulin-dependent diabetes. Two scores were obtained for each participant, one indicative of locus of control, the other indicative of the diabetic\u27s ability to implement his health regime. Calculation of a correlation coefficient revealed no significant relationship between perceived locus of control and implementation of the diabetic regime