The Relationship Between Adolescents’ Locus of Control and Healthy Dietary Behaviours and its Implications for School Psychologists and Other Health Related Professionals

Abstract

The Concept of Health Locus of Control (HLOC) indicates the personal belief of an individual about who or what affects his/her health. This approach emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility for health, especially in the school years which represent a 'critical period' for students to adopt healthy behaviours and lifestyles. The main aim of this survey is to define relationships between Health Locus of Control and the dietary behaviours of Turkish adolescent students by evaluating their risky health behaviours. Results of this survey are used for prediction of how to modify positive health behaviours of students for the protection and promotion of their health. The study group of this descriptive study consists of primary and secondary school students (831) in Ankara. The results not only clearly indicate the relationship between HLOC and dietary behaviours of adolescent students, but also support the results of earlier research. In particular, the association between the relatively higher Chance-HLOC, which represents low responsibility for health, and risky dietary behaviours of students is striking. The Internal-HLOC of students has been found to be more effective than External-HLOC in maintaining healthy dietary behaviours. School psychologists and health educators need to emphasize HLOC in educational activities for reduction of risky behaviours. key words: behaviours; health; locus of control; students 626 School Psychology International

A psychological overview of counselling adolescents in healthy eating behaviours

“…Tabak et al (2009) found that primary and secondary students with high internal-HLOC were more likely to adhere to a healthy diet, whereas those who believed that their adherence to a healthy diet was merely a matter of chance or fate (external-HLOC) displayed considerably more unhealthy eating behaviours. Some young people believe their health is in the hands of powerful others (such as parents), and for them, a healthy diet is dependent on their environment (Tabak et al, 2009). An internal locus of control is related to self-efficacy but includes an element of self-responsibility.…”

“…Habits and preferences are formed early and continue into later life (Birch, 1999), so it is important to establish healthy preferences as early as possible (Deshpande, Basil, & Basil, 2009). A healthy diet is necessary for healthy physical and mental development during childhood and adolescence (Jacka et al, 2010;Tabak, Piyal, Çelen, Karakoç, & Özen, 2009;Tomlinson, Wilkinson, & Wilkinson, 2009), and poor diet has recently been shown to have a more direct (i.e. biological) relationship with the development of psychological problems than previously thought (Jacka et al, 2010).…”

“…For example, young people who believe that control of their diabetic symptoms is in their own hands (internal-HLOC) are more likely to perceive the benefits of adherence as outweighing the barriers (Gillibrand & Stevenson, 2006). Tabak et al (2009) found that primary and secondary students with high internal-HLOC were more likely to adhere to a healthy diet, whereas those who believed that their adherence to a healthy diet was merely a matter of chance or fate (external-HLOC) displayed considerably more unhealthy eating behaviours. Some young people believe their health is in the hands of powerful others (such as parents), and for them, a healthy diet is dependent on their environment (Tabak et al, 2009).…”

Self-management training for Chinese obese children at risk for metabolic syndrome: Effectiveness and implications for school health

“…Adolescents with high internal HLOC tend to consume healthier diets than those with external HLOC beliefs (Hayes & Ross, 1987;Tabak et al, 2009). Self-management programming can help school psychologists to promote a feeling of control within older children and adolescents; this may improve HLOC and health behaviors that influence risk factors for MetS and obesity.…”

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Smokers: Correlations with External Health Control, Health Expectations, and Shame-Focused Coping Strategies

“…However, reviews in terms of predictive utility have been mixed (Luszczynska & Schwarzer, 2005). Chance health locus of control has been found to correlate to negative health behaviors, including alcohol consumption (Steptoe & Wardle, 2001), substance misuse (Haynes & Ayliffe, 1991), unhealthy nutritional habits (Tabak, Piyal, Ç elen, Karakoç, &Özen, 2009), smoking (Bennett, Norman, Moore, Murphy, & Tudor-Smith, 1997;Eiser et al, 1989;Steptoe & Wardle, 2001), and depression (Afifi, 2007).…”