Locus of Control as a Predictor of Outcome in Treatment of Obesity

Abstract

In a treatment program for obesity utilizing hypnosis, internal Rotter I-E scores correlated ( r = .60, p < .025) with measures of weight loss. The depth of hypnotic trance did not correlate with outcome, so was not considered an important aspect of the treatment. Externally focused obese patients appear to be at highest risk as treatment failures. Suitable treatments for this group would require greater control over situational eating cues or exploration of the issues underlying their inability to feel in control. Locus of control measures might potentially serve as a screening tool for selecting a suitable treatment plan for obese individuals if these findings can be replicated.