Locus of control and efficacy in healthy children and those with diabetes

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Abstract
Eight-five healthy children (mean age = 11.5 years) and 61 with diabetes completed measures of health locus of control and health-related self-efficacy. Those with diabetes also completed a diabetes specific self-efficacy scale. Low but significant correlations were found between locus of control and both efficacy measures. Factor analysis of the health efficacy scale yielded three factors (personal responsibility, safety and communication). Three factors were also derived for the diabetes efficacy scale (personal responsibility, social communication and minimization of threat). In terms of locus of control, children with diabetes expressed weaker beliefs in powerful others and personal control than healthy children, and weaker beliefs in the personal responsibility sub-scale of general health efficacy. Results are discussed in terms of the theoretical and practical implications of locus of control and efficacy in diabetes management.