The development of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales is described. Scales have been developed to tap beliefs that the source of reinforcements for health-related behaviors is primarily in ternal, a matter of chance, or under the control of powerful others. These scales are based on earlier work with a general Health Locus of Control scale, which, in turn, was developed from Rotter's social learn ing theory. Equivalent forms of the scales are presented along with initial internal consistency and validity data. Possible means of utilizing these scales are provided.

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Human adult literature on social support and physical health is reviewed considering studies of illness onset, stress, utilization of health services, adherence to medical regimens, recovery, rehabilitation, and adaptation to illness. Only studies with actual or proxy outcome measures of physical, as opposed to psychological, health are considered. Research evidence supporting a direct link between social support and physical health is more modest than previous reviews have claimed. More complex models including clearer multidimensional conceptualizations of social support are suggested as a basis for future research. Support measures should be directly relevant to the conceptualization and outcome of interest. A framework delineating stages at which social support can mediate health outcomes is presented. Processes may differ at each stage. Social support is more than an environmental variable; person characteristics as they affect access to, development of, and utilization of social support must be considered. There is sufficient evidence to warrant further research attention by health psychologists to social support.Numerous reviews exist linking social support with many aspects of health and illness (e.g.,

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