Dimensions of Perceived Locus of Control Among Hospitalized Veterans as Predictors of Health-Related Attitudes and Behaviors.

This thesis explores attitudinal and situational variables which influence the reactions of individuals to illness. The sample consisted of 172 patients admitted to a Veteran's Administration Medical Center for a recent episode of illness. Patients were first assessed to determine prevalence of depression. A sub-sample of patients were then questioned about perceptions of their ability to control life events (measured by both generalized and health-specific questions related to the individual's own sense of control, the perception of control by powerful others, and the effect of chance or luck on events). The following hypotheses were tested: (a) Depressed patients will be more external on general and health-specific locus of control measures than non-depressed patients. (b) External patients are more likely to delay seeking care than internals. Depression also contributes to the delay in seeking treatment. (c) Patients who are internal on the Powerful Others dimension of the health-specific measure would be more likely to make a relatively positive rating of their health after treatment, while patients who are external on the Internal/External dimension or the Chance dimension of the health-specific measure will make a relatively negative prediction. The first hypothesis was supported in terms of two general locus of control scales (Chance and Internal/External), with externality being associated with depression. Externality on the general Chance scale was also associated with delay in seeking treatment, partially supporting the second hypothesis. Depression score did not significantly predict delay. Projected health status at discharge relative to initial self-assessment of health (the third hypothesis) was predicted by externality on the health Powerful Others scale, although projected assessment alone was associated with the Internal/External scale of the health-specific measure. Externality on the Chance scale of this measure predicted a pessimistic outlook when the patient's projected assessment was compared to an independent assessment of outcome at discharge. The locus of control construct was found to be an important component of a comprehensive model of health attitudes and behaviors. Recommendations include recognition and treatment of depression among non-psychiatric patients, and further examination of the role of locus of control in increasing patient comprehension and compliance with medical treatments.PhDSocial workUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/159270/1/8304586.pd