The relationships between locus of control and other personality variables were studied, using the Nowicki-Strickland Scale. The broad hypotheses were that internal locus of control would be related to a number of other competence-type behaviors and adaptive social functioning. Results of various studies are presented, and it is concluded that the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale appears to offer an objective, relatively precise, quick method for assessing a generalized belief in locus of control and that the locus of control dimension is a significant correlate of a number of competence related behaviors in children. (DB)

The present article is a review of research on internal-external (I-E) locus of control expectancies and health attitudes and behaviors. The theoretical background of the I-E construct is described. Topics covered include I-E in relation to health knowledge, precautionary health practices, reactions to physical disorders, psychological responding, psychological disturbances, and responses to psychological treatment. Some problems and issues are also noted.Health concerns and health costs constitute a social problem of enormous magnitude in this country (APA Task Force on Health Research, 1976). Estimates of numbers of individuals with symptoms severe enough to warrant attention with respect to treatment range as high as 75% of the general population (Mechanic, 1972). The cost of medical care is the fastest growing item in the U.S. consumer price index, close to $100 billion annually, and it is expected to more than double over the next 5 years ("Health-Cost Crisis," 1977). For good reason, individuals appear to be increasingly concerned not only with recognizing and attending to debilitating symptoms but also preventing the occurrence of illness or accident. The rewards to those persons who remain free of disease or disability are, of course, not only financial but include enhanced physical and emotional well-being as well. The findings from a broad range of studies demonstrating a generally greater adaptive functioning for those persons holding internal as opposed to external expectancies (Strickland, Note 1, Note 2) have clear implications with respect to health.

Having recently noted the lack of contingency between my behavior--on behalf of the reorganization of the American Psychological Association (APA) for example-dependence between their behavior and subsequent

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