A psychometric investigation of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales with cigarette smokers

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scales with chronic cigarette smokers (N = 146) who volunteered for treatment through an at-large cessation clinic. Results showed that expectancies for health control were not distributed along three independent domains as implied by the format of the instrument. Instead, health locus of control orientation was found to be bidimensional, with domains defined by the Internal and Powerful Others measures. Several alternative explanations for this finding are discussed.