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Perceptions of control in adults with epilepsy
1School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, IL 60637.
Epilepsia
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Individuals with epilepsy experiencing ongoing seizures may develop learned helplessness, impacting their perception of control over negative events. This highlights significant psychosocial challenges in epilepsy management.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Epilepsy is associated with significant psychosocial problems, including higher rates of suicide and unemployment.
- External perceptions of control, stemming from seizure activity, are implicated as a cause of these issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that individuals with ongoing seizures develop more external perceptions of control.
- To investigate the relationship between seizure control and locus of control/attributional style.
Main Methods:
- A survey was mailed to individuals with epilepsy in a Midwest metropolitan area.
- Dependent variables included locus of control and attributional style scores.
- Seizure control was the independent variable, with gender, socioeconomic status, and parenting characteristics as control variables.
Main Results:
- The hypothesis was supported when perceptions of control were conceptualized as learned helplessness for negative events.
- The hypothesis was not confirmed for general or health locus of control.
- Learned helplessness for positive events was also not supported.
Conclusions:
- Ongoing seizure activity may contribute to learned helplessness regarding negative outcomes in individuals with epilepsy.
- Psychosocial interventions should consider the impact of seizure control on individuals' perceptions of control.