Locus of control in juvenile diabetic campers: changes during camp, and relationship to camp staff assessments

Locus of control was measured at the beginning and end of a three-week camp experience in 156 children with juvenile diabetes. The results were compared with those of 30 diabetic children who did not attend camp. Both the Nowicki Strickland Children's Locus of Control and the Parcel Health Locus of Control scales were used. In addition, subjective assessments of diabetes management skills were made in all campers by several staff members. Significant changes toward internal locus of control on the NSLC but not the CHLC were found. The changes in NSLC seem to have persisted for at least one year in a small subsample of 23 children who were retested. Initial scores on both scales correlated moderately with the diabetes management skills ratings made at the end of camp. In view of the apparent importance of the locus of control construct in the self-care expected of most children with juvenile diabetes, the results should stimulate further efforts to examine the usefulness of this measure in relationship to achievement of good control of diabetes.