Effect of Headache Websites on Locus of Control and Self‐efficacy of Readers

Abstract

Objective: Could a website be developed that would be more evidence-based and lead to readers having more positive cognitions (locus of control, self-efficacy) with respect to managing their headaches than the current websites? Method: A new website was developed based on learning to cope with headache triggers rather than the traditional advice to avoid all triggers. An existing, commonly accessed, influential website was used for comparative purposes, which was equal in length and equivalent in readability to the new website. Sixty-two participants (42 female, 20 male) who had suffered from frequent headaches for at least 12 months were randomly assigned to reading one website or the other, followed by completing the following measures: Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale, Headache-Specific Locus of Control scale, and a survey including questions on confidence and optimism with respect to managing headaches. Results: Analyses indicated that readers of the "coping" website compared with the traditional website had higher self-efficacy (p < .001) and lower chance locus of control (p < .001). The difference between the groups on internal locus of control was not significant when family-wise error adjustments were made (p < .04). Readers of the "coping" website felt more confident in managing their headaches (p < .006), more optimistic in managing their headaches (p < .003), and more optimistic that their headaches might decrease in frequency, intensity, and duration (p < .001). Conclusion: Websites need periodic revision as the research literature unfolds, and website designers should take into account the cognitive impact of websites.

Types of Triggers in Migraine – Factor Structure of the Headache Triggers Sensitivity and Avoidance Questionnaire and Development of a New Short Form (HTSAQ‐SF)

“…This pattern is similar to the one of the scale Triggers . Regarding the different coping strategies addressing triggers (Experiment, Avoid, Stress, and Exposure), 11 this pattern could reflect the different strategies, at least in part. Factor 1 ( hardly or reluctantly avoidable triggers ) could suggest the strategies Experiment and Exposure, for example, graduated exposure to noise can reduce the sensitivity to noise and behavioral experiments with “headache foods” can disprove erroneous beliefs about their ability to precipitate a headache.…”

“…The results of this study make a statistically substantiated contribution to research on the adequate grouping of triggers and on the different strategies in coping with triggers. This seems useful given the large number of reported headache triggers 2 as well as concepts such as EASE 11 . The HTSAQ is an important tool for evaluating the relationship between headache triggers sensitivity and avoidance behavior, for evaluating treatment concepts such as LCT 3 and to support the planning and evaluation of therapy with headache patients.…”

“…Basically, 4 different options can be described when dealing with triggers ( EASE ) 11 . Depending on the type of trigger, different strategies are recommended.…”

An Integrative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Adults With Migraine: A Feasibility Study

“…In this session, the idea of LCT and the 4 strategies to manage triggers according to the “EASE”‐approach are promoted: (1) Experiment; (2) Avoid; (3) Stress; and (4) Exposure . The therapist gives individual recommendations regarding appropriate strategies.…”

“…Session 5: Trigger Management.-In this session, the idea of LCT and the 4 strategies to manage triggers according to the "EASE"-approach are promoted: (1) Experiment; (2) Avoid; (3) Stress; and (4) Exposure. 31 The therapist gives individual recommendations regarding appropriate strategies. Strategy (1) may be suitable for food (eg, the patient may notice, with the repeated consumption of chocolate, that chocolate does not always trigger an attack, and that the previous consumption of chocolate was associated with the prodromal symptom craving of sweets).…”