An examination and appreciation of the dimensions of locus of control in psychosis: Issues and relationships between constructs and measurement

Hutcheson, C.; Fleming, M. P.; Martin, C. R.

Abstract

Internal locus of control is associated with better psychological outcomes in comparison with external locus of control. Individuals experiencing a psychotic episode have a more external orientation, an externalizing bias for negative events and associations between paranoid delusions and external locus of control. The concept of multidimensional locus of control as measured by the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale may provide important information about the nature and course of psychotic symptoms. This narrative review explored the relationship between the orientation of locus of control and psychosis. Few studies have used the scale in samples with people experiencing psychotic symptoms and so there is limited evidence about the psychometric properties of the MHLC scale within this client group, although the findings from studies that have explored the properties of this tool in other groups suggest it could be a valuable instrument for use in psychosis. Further research is required to determine both the relationship between locus of control and psychosis in terms of therapeutic factors and outcome, and also the veracity of the MHLC scale as an instrument of choice in this group.

Citation

Hutcheson, C., Fleming, M. P., & Martin, C. R. (2014). An examination and appreciation of the dimensions of locus of control in psychosis: Issues and relationships between constructs and measurement. Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing, 21(10), 906-916. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12160

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 30, 2014
• Online Publication Date: May 20, 2014
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Deposit Date: Jun 6, 2018
• Journal: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
• Print ISSN: 1351-0126
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-2850
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 906-916
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12160
• Keywords: Locus of control; Multidimensional health locus of control; Psychosis; Schizophrenia
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/866142
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jpm.12160