title: Does locus of control moderate the effects of tailored health education materials?
abstract: Research in health communication has shown that individually tailored health education materials are more effective than traditional or generic materials in producing changes in health-related behaviors. However, tailored materials have not been equally effective for all individuals. Because locus of control affects behavioral outcomes in other self-change interventions, its effect on individuals' responses to tailored messages is of particular interest. The present study examined differences in cognitive responses to tailored and non-tailored weight loss materials among 198 overweight individuals. Weight locus of control significantly interacted with study group (who received either tailored or non-tailored materials), suggesting that externals may respond to tailored health education materials with counter-arguments. Implications for the development and application of tailored health communication materials are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, St Louis University, MO 63108, USA.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Holt
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Kreuter
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Scharff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008923:Missouri; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D013664:Teaching Materials; D015431:Weight Loss