RESEARCH PAPER
Relation between health locus of control and depression among students of a medical college
1
Zakład Psychologii Lekarskiej Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi
Med Og Nauk Zdr. 2013;19(3):294-299
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Many factors affect one’s locus of control or frame of mind. Such aspects as field of study, occupation, number of stressful situations may be considered as influencing both characteristics. Is there a relation between locus of control and depressiveness and what is the influence of such factors as sex or chosen field of study on locus of control?
Material and Methods:
230 students of the Medical University of Lodz, aged between 20–25 years, were surveyed – 137 females and 93 males. The MHLC test and S-TIDEP test were used to explore the issue.
Results:
The surveyed students tend to have external locus of health control compared to the general population of a similar age. This means that in terms of health issues they rely on medical staff and other specialists. Males significantly more frequently declare internal locus of control whereas females tend to locate control in others. Research revealed a significant relationship between depressiveness and internal locus of health control. People with high internal control tend to have less feelings and cognitive processes related to depression. The more often the depressive feelings occur, the less control of own health are showed by the surveyed.
Conclusions:
1. The subjects are more prone to external health locus of control compared to other people aged 18–25. 2. Health locus of control may depend on factors such as age, field of study, or sense of responsibility. 3. Depressiveness and internal locus of health control are factors which affect each other.
Many factors affect one’s locus of control or frame of mind. Such aspects as field of study, occupation, number of stressful situations may be considered as influencing both characteristics. Is there a relation between locus of control and depressiveness and what is the influence of such factors as sex or chosen field of study on locus of control?
Material and Methods:
230 students of the Medical University of Lodz, aged between 20–25 years, were surveyed – 137 females and 93 males. The MHLC test and S-TIDEP test were used to explore the issue.
Results:
The surveyed students tend to have external locus of health control compared to the general population of a similar age. This means that in terms of health issues they rely on medical staff and other specialists. Males significantly more frequently declare internal locus of control whereas females tend to locate control in others. Research revealed a significant relationship between depressiveness and internal locus of health control. People with high internal control tend to have less feelings and cognitive processes related to depression. The more often the depressive feelings occur, the less control of own health are showed by the surveyed.
Conclusions:
1. The subjects are more prone to external health locus of control compared to other people aged 18–25. 2. Health locus of control may depend on factors such as age, field of study, or sense of responsibility. 3. Depressiveness and internal locus of health control are factors which affect each other.
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| ISSN: | 2083-4543 |
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