title: A comparative study of health locus of control in patients with schizophrenia and their first degree relatives.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An individual's behaviour may be predicted from their beliefs about their locus of control (attribution). A person's "locus" can be internal or external. The present study aimed at comparing the locus of control as measured by Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) in patients with schizophrenia and their healthy first degree relatives. We hypothesized that persons with schizophrenia have different locus of control than their first degree relatives.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) was first translated and validated in Hindi by bilingual students (N = 71). Consecutive patients affected with schizophrenia (SZ) (N = 125) and their siblings/offsprings (N = 119) were recruited. Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies and MHLC Scale were administered after written informed consent.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was moderate intra-class correlation between Hindi and English versions of MHLC Scale. Schizophrenia patients were found to have more of 'chance' locus of control (F 6.625, p = 0.011) whereas their first degree relatives have more of 'internal' locus of control (F 6.760, p = 0.010).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with SZ attributed their health to external factors which has been found to be associated with poor or late recovery. These findings may provide a theoretical base for developing intervention strategies to promote behavioural changes in patients.
authors: Formerly of DST MR Autism Project, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER-Dr. R.M.L. Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors: Sarika
authors: S
authors: Thakral
authors: GRIP-NIH Project, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER-Dr. R.M.L. Hospital, New Delhi, India. Electronic address: bhatiatriptish@yahoo.co.in.
authors: Triptish
authors: T
authors: Bhatia
authors: Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.
authors: Elizabeth A
authors: EA
authors: Gettig
authors: Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.
authors: V L
authors: VL
authors: Nimgaonkar
authors: Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER-Dr. R.M.L. Hospital, New Delhi, India.
authors: Smita N
authors: SN
authors: Deshpande
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
keywords: First degree relatives; Health locus of control; Multidimensional; Schizophrenia