Control cognitions and psychological disturbance in people with contrasting physically disabling conditions.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the role of control cognitions, i.e. locus of control (LOC), in predicting adaptation to two contrasting physically disabling conditions.


METHODS
Locus of control beliefs were investigated in terms of their relationship with psychological distress (anxiety and depression) experienced by people facing either spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis (MS). The role of pain experience was also considered in terms of its impact on psychological distress in both groups.


RESULTS
Results indicated that although SCI subjects were more internally oriented than MS subjects, internality was not linked to lower levels of depression or anxiety in either group, although within the SCI group an external LOC was associated with increased depression and physical disability.


CONCLUSIONS
For people facing a future with the challenge of physical disability, the pattern of progression of disability over time may be of significance in the development of psychological distress.
Macleod
L
L
Hamilton and East Kilbride Child and Family Clinic, Lanarkshire Health Care NHS Trust, Scotland.
Macleod
G
G
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology*; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological