Click here to download

Health Locus of Control Scale for adults: a validation study
Journal Title: PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE 
Author/s: Anna Rosa Donizzetti, Giovanna Petrillo 
Year:  2015 Issue: 3 Language: Italian 
Pages:  17 Pg. 126-142 FullText PDF:  220 KB
DOI:  10.3280/PDS2015-003007
(DOI is like a bar code for intellectual property: to have more infomation:  clicca qui   and here 


It is well-known in health psychology literature, that health locus of control is an important issue for understanding and predicting health behaviors, but the psychometric properties of the existing scales are not fully established. The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Health Locus of control Scale (HLCS) for adolescents by Donizzetti and Petrillo (2011), considering an adults population. 922 participants, equally distributed by gender (50.2% male), with a mean age of 52.2 years (SD = 20.20) were involved in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis highlighted a three-dimensional structure. In addition, correlational analyses have demonstrated the convergent and discriminant validity. The scale is invariant across gender. The adult version of HLCS consists of 13 items and resulted a valuable and reliable tool. Easy to administer, it can be used for purposes of research and intervention for the detection of beliefs about control of physical health in adult populations.
Keywords: Health locus of control; HLCS; Scale validation; Adults.

  1. Bagozzi R.P. and Baumgartner H. (1994). The Evaluation of Structural Equation Models and Hypothesis Testing. In Bagozzi R.P., editor, Principles of Marketing Research, Oxford: Blackwell, 386-422.
  2. Bandura A. (1997). Self-efficacy. The exercise of control. New York: Freeman (tr. it.: Autoefficacia. Teoria e applicazioni. Trento: Erickson, 2000).
  3. Bennett P., Norman P., Murphy S., Moore L. and Tudor-Smith C. (1998). Beliefs about alcohol, health locus of control, value for health and reported consumption in a representative population sample. Health Education Research, 13: 25-32., DOI: 10.1093/her/13.1.2
  4. Bentler P.M. (1990). Comparative Fit Indexes in Structural Models. Psychological Bulletin, 107 (2): 238-246., DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.107.2.23
  5. Bollen K.A. (1989). Structural Equations with Latent Variables, New York: Wiley.
  6. Bozdogan H. (1987). Model Selection and Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC): The General Theory and Its Analytical Extensions. Psychometrika, 52: 345-370., DOI: 10.1007/BF0229436
  7. Bozdogan H. (2000). Akaike’s Information Criterion and Recent Developments in Information Complexity. Journal of Mathematical Psychology, 44: 62-91., DOI: 10.1006/jmps.1999.127
  8. Browne M.W. (1990). MUTMUM PC: User’s guide. Columbus, OH: Ohio State University, Department of Psychology. Byrne B.N. (1989). A primer of LISREL: Basic application and programming for confirmatory factor analytic models. New York: Springer-Verlag.
  9. Byrne B.M., Oakland T., Leong F.T.L., Van de Vijver F.J.R., Hambleton R.K. and Cheung F.M. (2009). A critical analysis of cross-cultural research and testing practices: Implications for improved education and training in psychology. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 3 (2): 94-105., DOI: 10.1037/a0014516
  10. Cambron M.J., Acitelli L.K. and Pettit J.W. (2009). Explaining gender differences in depression: An interpersonal contingent self-esteem perspective. Sex Roles, 61: 751-761.
  11. Carmines E.G. and McIver J.P. (1981). Analyzing models with unobserved variables (65-115). In Bohrnstedt G.W. and Borgotta E.F., editors, Social measurement: Current issues. Bevery Hills: Sage.
  12. Coelho R.J. (1985). A psychometric investigation of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales with cigarette smokers. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 41: 536-540.
  13. Donizzetti A.R. e Petrillo G. (2011). Health Locus of Control Scale per adolescenti: uno studio di validazione [Health Locus of Control Scale for adolescents: a validation study]. Psicologia della Salute, 2: 85-101., DOI: 10.3280/PDS2011-00200
  14. Fasol R., Fraccaroli F. e Sarchielli G. (1998). Struttura fattoriale del Multidimensional Health Locus of Control [Factorial structure of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control]. Bollettino di Psicologia Applicata, 226: 39-46.
  15. Harter S. (1999). The construction of the Self: A developmental perspective. New York: Guilford.
  16. Hinde R.A. (1999). Why gods persist: A scientific approach to religion. London: Routledge.
  17. Hu L.T. and Bentler P.M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 6: 1-55., DOI: 10.1080/1070551990954011
  18. Hubley A.M. and Wagner S. (2004). Using Alternate Forms of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale: Caveat Emptor. Social Indicators Research, 65 (2): 167-186., DOI: 10.1023/A:102580992159
  19. Ingoglia S., Lo Coco A., Pace U., Zappulla C., Liga F. e Inguglia C. (2004). Percezione della relazione con i genitori: differenze individuali nella connessione e nell’autonomia in adolescenza [Perception of relationship with parents: Individual differences on connection and autonomy during adolescence]. Psicologia Clinica dello Sviluppo, 8 (2): 307-320., DOI: 10.1449/1471
  20. Ip W.Y. and Martin C.R. (2006). The Chinese version of the multidimensional health locus of control scale form C in pregnancy. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 61 (6): 821-827., DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2006.08.01
  21. Jomeen J. and Martin C.R. (2005). A psychometric evaluation of Form C of the Multi-Dimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC-C) scale during early pregnancy. Psychology Health & Medicine, 10: 202-214., DOI: 10.1080/1354850051233131543
  22. Jöreskog K. and Sörbom D. (1993). LISREL 8: Structural Equation Modeling with the SIMPLIS Command Language. Chicago, IL: Scientific Software International Inc.
  23. Laicardi C. (2002). Misurare l’atteggiamento verso la salute [Measuring attitudes toward health]. Milano: Franco Angeli.
  24. Malcarne V.L., Fernandez S. and Flores L. (2005). Factorial validity of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales for three American ethnic groups. Journal of Health Psychology, 10: 657-667., DOI: 10.1177/135910530505531
  25. Marsh H. W. and Hocevar D. (1985). Application of confirmatory factor analysis to the study of self-concept: Frist – and higher – order factor models and their invariance across group. Psychological Bulletin, 97: 562-582., DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.97.3.56
  26. Menzione M., Paganucci C., Primi C.E. e Siani R. (2003). Multidimensional Health Locus (MHLC): confronto tra modelli fattoriali [Multi-Dimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC): Comparisons across factorial models]. Bollettino di Psicologia Applicata, 239: 27-33.
  27. Mosso C.O. e Viola E. (2014). L’invecchiamento attivo [Active aging]. In De Piccoli N., a cura di, Salute e qualità della vita nella società del benessere [Health and quality of life in the wellness society]. Roma: Carocci, 233-249.
  28. Norman P. and Bennett P.S.C. (1996). Health locus of control. In Conner M. and Norman P., editors, Predicting health behaviour. Research and practice with social cognition models. Buckingham: Open University Press, 62-94.
  29. Norris F.H. (1997). Frequency and structure of precautionary behaviour in the domain of hazard. Preparedness, crime prevention, vehicular safety, and health maintenance. Health Psychology, 16: 566-575., DOI: 10.1037/0278-6133.16.6.56
  30. Nunnally J.C. and Bernstein I.J. (1994). Psychometric theory. New York: McGraw-Hill.
  31. Petrillo G. e Donizzetti A.R. (2012). Credenze illusorie sulla salute in adolescenza: validazione di uno strumento di rilevazione [Paranormal health beliefs in adolescence: validation of a instrument of measure]. Giornale Italiano di Psicologia, 2: 407-434., DOI: 10.1421/3780
  32. Petrillo G. e Donizzetti A.R. (2013). Validazione della Paranormal Health Beliefs Scale per adulti [Validation of the Paranormal Health Beliefs Scale for adults]. In Braibanti P. e Zunino A., a cura di. Volume degli Abstract del X Congresso Nazionale SIPSA – Società Italiana di Psicologia della Salute [Volume of Abstracts of the X National Congress SINPIA - Italian Society of Health Psychology] (Orvieto, 10-12 maggio), Milano: Franco Angeli.
  33. Petrillo G., Caso D. e Capone V. (2014). Un’applicazione del Mental Health Continuum di Keyes al contesto italiano: benessere e malessere in giovani, adulti e anziani [The Mental Health Continuum by Keyes in Italian context: Mental Health and Mental Illness in the young, adults, and older people]. Psicologia della Salute, 2: 159-181., DOI: 10.3280/PDS2014-00201
  34. Reich J., Erdal K.J. and Zautra A.J. (1997). Beliefs about control and health behaviors. In Gochman D.S., editor, Handbook of health behavior research. New York: Plenum Press, 93-111.
  35. Reise S.P., Widaman K.F. and Pugh R.H. (1993). Confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory: Two approaches for exploring measurement invariance. Psychological Bullettin, 114 (3): 552-566., DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.114.3.55
  36. Robinson J.P., Shaver P.R. and Wrightsman L.S. (1991). Criteria for scale selection and evaluation. In Robinson J.P., Shaver P.R. and Wrightsman L.S., editors, Measures of Personality and Social Psychological Attitudes.San Diego, CA: Academic Press, 1-16.
  37. Robinson-Whelen S. and Storandt M. (1992). Factorial structure of two health belief measures among older adults. Psychology and Aging, 7 (2): 209-213., DOI: 10.1037/0882-7974.7.2.20
  38. Rollero C. (2014). Salute in una prospettiva di genere [Health in a gender perspective]. In De Piccoli N. a cura di. Salute e qualità della vita nella società del benessere [Health and quality of life in the wellness society]. Roma: Carocci, 217-232.
  39. Rotter J.B. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs, 80: 1-28.
  40. Rotter J.B., Seeman M. and Liverant S. (1962). Internal versus external control of reinforcement, a major variable in behavioral therapy. In Washburne N.F., editor, Decision values and groups. London, UK: Pergamon Press.
  41. Russell S.F. and Ludenia K. (1983). The psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales in an alcoholic population. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 39: 453-459., DOI: 10.1002/1097-4679(198305)39:3<453::AID-JCLP2270390323>3.0.CO;2-
  42. Schwarzer R. and Fuchs R. (1996). Self-efficacy and health behaviors. In Conner M., Norman P., editors, Predicting health behaviour: Research and practice with social cognition models. Buckingham, UK: Open University Press, 163-196. Schwarzer R. and Jerusalem M. (1995). Generalized Self-Efficacy scale. In Weinman J.,
  43. Wright S. and Johnston M., editors, Measures in health psychology: A user’s portfolio. Causal and control beliefs. Windsor, UK: Nfer-Nelson, 35-37.
  44. Sibilia L., SchwarzerR. and Jerusalem M. (1995). Italian Adaptation of the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale. Testo disponibile al sito: http://userpage. fu-berlin.de/*health/italian.htm.
  45. Snell W.E. and Johnson G. (1997). The Multidimensional Health Questionaire. American Journal of Health Behavior, 5: 169-183.
  46. SPSS (20013). IBM SPSS Advanced Statistics 22. United States of America: Spss Inc.
  47. Steptoe A., Wardle J. and Vinck J. (1994). Personality and attitudinal correlates of healthy and unhealthy lifestyles un young adults. Psychology and Health, 9 (5): 331-343., DOI: 10.1080/0887044940840749
  48. Strickland B.R. (1978). Internal-external expectancies and health related behaviours. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46: 1192-1211.
  49. Talbot F., Nouwen A. and Gauthier J. (1996). Is health locus of control a 3-factor or a 2-factor construct? Journal of Clinical Psychology, 52 (5): 559-568., DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-4679(199609)52:5<559::AID-JCLP11>3.0.CO;2-
  50. Thalbourne M.A. and French C. C. (1995). Paranormal belief, manic-depressiveness, and magical ideation: A replication. Personality and Individual Differences, 18 (2): 291-292., DOI: 10.1016/0191-8869(94)00146-
  51. Tobacyk J.J., Nagot E. and Miller M. (1988). Paranormal beliefs and locus of control: A multidimensional examination. Journal of Personality Assessment, 52: 241-246.
  52. Wallston K.A. (1992). Hocus-pocus, the focus isn’t strictly on locus: Rotter’s social learning theory modified for health. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 16: 183-199., DOI: 10.1007/BF0117348
  53. Wallston K.A. (2005). The Validity of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales. Journal of Health Psychology, 10 (5): 623-631., DOI: 10.1177/135910530505530
  54. Wallston K.A., Malcarne V.L., Flores L., Hansdottir I., Smith C.A., Stein M.J., Weisman M.H., Clements P.J. (1999). Does God determine your health? The God locus of health control scale. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 23 (2): 131-142., DOI: 10.1023/A:101872301068
  55. Wallston K.A., Stein M.J. and Smith C.A. (1994). Form C of the MHLC scales: a conditionspecific measure of locus of control. Journal of Personality Assessment, 63 (3): 534-553., DOI: 10.1207/s15327752jpa6303_1
  56. Wallston K.A., Wallston B.S. and De Vellis R.F. (1978). Development of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale. Health Education Monographs, 6: 160-170.

Anna Rosa Donizzetti, Giovanna Petrillo, Health Locus of Control Scale for adults: a validation study in "PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE" 3/2015, pp. 126-142, DOI:10.3280/PDS2015-003007

   

FrancoAngeli is a member of Publishers International Linking Association a not for profit orgasnization wich runs the CrossRef service, enabing links to and from online scholarly content