A comparative study of health locus of control in patients with schizophrenia and their first degree relatives

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• 作者：Sarika Thakral ; Triptish Bhatia ; Elizabeth A. Gettig ; V.L. Nimgaonkar ; Smita N. Deshp ; e
• 关键词：Health locus of control ; First degree relatives ; Multidimensional ; Schizophrenia
• 刊名：Asian Journal of Psychiatry
• 出版年：February, 2014
• 年：2014
• 卷：7
• 期：Complete
• 页码：34-37
• 全文大小：264 K

文摘

Background and aims

An individual's behaviour may be predicted from their beliefs about their locus of control (attribution). A person's 鈥渓ocus鈥?can be internal or external. The present study aimed at comparing the locus of control as measured by Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) in patients with schizophrenia and their healthy first degree relatives.

We hypothesized that persons with schizophrenia have different locus of control than their first degree relatives.

Method

Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) was first translated and validated in Hindi by bilingual students (N = 71). Consecutive patients affected with schizophrenia (SZ) (N = 125) and their siblings/offsprings (N = 119) were recruited. Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies and MHLC Scale were administered after written informed consent.

Results

There was moderate intra-class correlation between Hindi and English versions of MHLC Scale. Schizophrenia patients were found to have more of 鈥榗hance鈥?locus of control (F 6.625, p = 0.011) whereas their first degree relatives have more of 鈥榠nternal鈥?locus of control (F 6.760, p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Patients with SZ attributed their health to external factors which has been found to be associated with poor or late recovery. These findings may provide a theoretical base for developing intervention strategies to promote behavioural changes in patients.