Role of Locus of Control in Health Impairing/Promoting Behavior of Adolescents

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between locus of control (LOC) and health behaviors among adolescents in Punjab, India, to identify the impact of locus of control on health-promoting and health-impairing behaviors. A correlational research design was employed with a sample of 554 senior secondary school students in Barnala, Punjab. Participants completed the Indian Adolescent Health Behavior (IAHB) questionnaire by Long et al., (2013) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) by Wallston, Wallston & DeVellis (1978) scales. Results indicated that an internal LOC was positively associated with health-promoting behaviors, including physical activity, nutritious diet, and personal hygiene, and negatively associated with health-impairing behaviors like sexual risk-taking and substance abuse. Conversely, a powerful others LOC was negatively associated with physical health and hygiene, and positively linked to sexual risk-taking and substance abuse. No significant correlations were observed for chance LOC. These findings underscore the importance of fostering an internal LOC to enhance health outcomes among adolescents. The study contributes to understanding the influence of LOC on health behaviors in the Indian context, highlighting the role of psychological factors in health interventions.