An Investigation of the Factor Structure of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales in a Health Promotion Program

Abstract

The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scales have been used both to evaluate program effects and to assign subjects to optimal treatment modalities. The MHLC Scales were designed to measure three theoretical dimensions of health locus of control, as represented by the scale names: (a) Chance, (b) Internal, and (c) Powerful Others. The construct validity of scores from the scales when the measure is used with adults was explored using factor analytic methods. Subjects were 692 adults seeking voluntary health promotion services. Overall, the results supported the hypothesized three-factor structure of the measure.