Health-related locus of control: does it change in motor neurone disease (MND)?

Previous studies have attempted to describe locus of control beliefs in people with MND. This exploratory, longitudinal study set out to examine some of the possible correlations of health-related locus of control beliefs and the stability of these beliefs.

32 people with Motor Neurone Disease completed the Multi-dimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale, initially on average 10.3 months after diagnosis, and again on average 16.4 months after diagnosis. Physical symptoms were assessed at both times.

Initially there were no correlations between MHLC beliefs or disease duration and physical symptomatology, although longer disease duration was associated with greater beliefs in the role of powerful others in health control. At the second assessment, belief in the role of powerful others controlling health had increased, with this increase relating significantly to a worsening in physical symptoms. At this second assessment, neither duration of symptoms nor time since diagnosis correlated with MHLC beliefs.

Whilst health locus of control beliefs do appear to change in MND, current findings suggest that this does not occur simply as a function of the passage of time. How symptoms change seems to be of particular importance when considering health locus of control beliefs in people with MND. Suggestions are made concerning other factors that might usefully be examined in future studies of this type.