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Health locus of control, gender differences and adjustment to persistent pain
Susan P Buckelew1, Michael S Shutty, John Hewett
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 501 Rusk Rehabilitation Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212 U.S.A. Department of Statistics, M222 Math Sciences Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212 U.S.A.
Pain
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Locus of control beliefs influence pain adjustment. Younger men favored internal control, while older men used chance and others. Women
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Locus of control (LOC) beliefs are crucial for persistent pain adjustment.
- The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale assesses these beliefs.
- Understanding LOC in pain rehabilitation is vital for treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structure of MHLC beliefs in a pain rehabilitation sample.
- To identify distinct MHLC profile clusters among male and female patients.
- To explore relationships between MHLC profiles and demographic/coping variables.
Main Methods:
- Factorial replication of MHLC subscale structure in 160 pain patients.
- Identification of three unique MHLC profile clusters for males and females.
- Analysis of cluster associations with age and coping strategies.
Main Results:
- MHLC structure was replicated; three clusters emerged for both sexes.
- Among men, age correlated with cluster assignment (younger=internal, older=chance/powerful others).
- Among women, cluster assignment related to coping strategy use, with internal orientation linked to specific self-management techniques.
Conclusions:
- MHLC profile clusters differ between genders and relate to age/coping.
- Internal and Powerful Other attributional styles may correlate with less cognitive self-management.
- Pattern analysis of LOC scores is essential for clinical treatment implications.