Acculturation and Health Locus of Control Among Mexican American Adolescents

Abstract

Health locus of control, a generalized measure of beliefs regarding the source of reinforcement one has over the status of his orher health, was investigated across culture of origin (Mexicanism), mainstream culture (Americanism), and bicultural linguistic acculturation domains among 424 Mexican American adolescents. Study participants were drawn from a predominantly Mexican American population located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of Texas. Data were gathered through a self-report instrument consisting of locus of control and acculturation scales. Results indicated that powerful others'external control belief exerted the strongest explanatory power of locus of control in the culture of origin domain, whereas internal control offered the greatest prediction of health reinforcement in both the mainstream and bicultural domains.