Multidimensional health locus of control and values: An integrated approach to understanding preventive health behavior.

This study examined the relationships between health locus of control, health value, and preventive health behaviors among a relatively healthy sample of undergraduate students in Windsor, Ontario (N = 365). Students responded to a wide variety of variables. The analyses examined the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale, the value of health relative to other desirable aspects of life and a measure of Preventive Health Behavior, as well as several demographic variables. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out in an attempt to understand Preventive Health Behavior. The hypothesis that health locus of control would be a predictor of preventive health value was not supported by the findings of this research. It was, also, hypothesized that gender and academic area of concentration would be significantly associated with preventive health behaviors. It was found that males differ from females in their practice of eating habits and weight watching. And that science students differed greatly on a measure of relaxation compared to non-science students. As well, the subject\u27s social class appears to play a role in the practice of certain health behaviors. These findings and the limitations of using an undergraduate sample are discussed.Dept. of Sociology and Anthropology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1990 .K748. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 30-03, page: 0577. Chairperson: Jack Ferguson. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1990