Locus of control, repression-sensitization, and psychological disorder in chronic pain patients

Abstract
Examined the relationship between locus of control and psychological disorder in chronic pain patients controlling for the effects of response sets. Fifty‐nine patients with chronic low back pain were given Rotter's Internal‐External Locus of Control (I‐E) scale and the MMPI. Multiple regression analysis showed that the MMPI K, F, and PT scales produced the most efficient prediction of I‐E scores. Response set tendencies to dramatize problems and traits that involve excessive rumination and self‐doubt were related to external locus of control.