Form C of the MHLC scales: a condition-specific measure of locus of control

J Pers Assess. 1994 Dec;63(3):534-53. doi: 10.1207/s15327752jpa6303_10.

Abstract

Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scales is an 18 item, general purpose, condition-specific locus of control scale that could easily be adapted for use with any medical or health-related condition. Data from 588 patients with one of four conditions--rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, or cancer--were utilized to establish the factor structure of Form C and to establish the reliability and validity of the resultant four subscales: Internality; Chance; Doctors; and Other (powerful) People. The alpha reliabilities of the subscales are adequate for research purposes. Data from the arthritis and chronic pain subjects established that the Form C subscales were moderately stable over time and possessed considerable concurrent and construct validity. Some discriminant validity of Form C with Form B of the MHLC was also demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications
  • Chronic Disease
  • Depressive Disorder / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain / psychology*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires