[Body-related locus of control in healthy and chronically ill adolescents]

Abstract

The present contribution analyses body-related locus of control beliefs in healthy and chronically ill adolescents. Moreover, we asked which bearing locus of control beliefs have on psychosocial adaptation. We examined a sample of asthmatic and diabetic adolescents and a sample of healthy adolescents aged 12 to 16 using the KLC-questionnaire. The questionnaire measures the locus of control concerning health, appearance and physical ability. Regarding the structure of body-related locus of control beliefs, the results show no differences between healthy and chronically ill adolescents; but the ill adolescents show less external locus of control. In the sample of chronically ill adolescents the locus of control is independent of severity and duration of their illness. Significant correlations between external locus of control and psychosocial adaptation could only be found in healthy adolescents. The results are discussed based on illness-specific experiences and general characteristics of adolescent body image.