A Test of the Relationship Between Health Locus of Control and the Course of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between health locus of control and the trajectory of multiple sclerosis. A random sample of 100 respondents with multiple sclerosis was selected from the membership list of a state multiple sclerosis support group. The subjects were interviewed in their homes and completed study instruments. Respondents with an internal health locus of control orientation had more knowledge of their disease, practiced more self-care, and had a more benign course of multiple sclerosis than those with an external locus of control. Additional findings included an overall lower divorce rate for the respondents as well as a poor employment outlook.