Health Locus of Control Beliefs in Low Back Pain Patients

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Abstract
Associations between health locus of control (HLC) beliefs, illness characteristics, psychological distress and self-care behaviour were studied in a group of subjects (n=459) aged 35 to 54 years suffering from chronic or recurrent low back pain (LBP). The results showed that younger subjects and men were more internal in their beliefs, and that duration and severity of LBP, psychological distress, and back care were associated with the individual's beliefs in his/her control over illness. The associations found were, however, of a low magnitude. More conclusive evidence on the development and modification of HLC beliefs are required before practical applications are possible.