Locus of Control and Effects of Perceptual Tasks on Heartrate

Abstract

The hypothesis was tested that the relationship found in prior research between heartrate changes produced in biofeedback settings and locus of control scores derives from the heart-brain relationship described by the Laceys in 1967, as well as from “expectancies for control.” 48 subjects were tested on two perceptual tasks known to elicit changes in heartrate. Significant heartrate changes were observed in response to both tasks, but those changes did not correlate with locus of control as measured by scores on the Rotter I-E Scale and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale. Explanations for these results are offered.