Description Scale

The Children’s Health Locus of Control Scale is a psychological assessment tool designed to measure how children perceive control over their health. Specifically, the scale assesses whether children believe that their health is influenced more by their own actions (internal control) or by external factors such as parents, doctors, or luck (external control). Understanding the “Locus of Control” is important for assessing children’s health behaviors and their willingness to take responsibility for their personal health.
Key Features
Scope: The scale evaluates children’s perceptions of who or what influences their health, including both internal and external control factors.
Dimensions: The scale includes items that measure the degree to which children feel that their health is under their control or depends on external factors.

Data Analysis and Usage

The analysis of data from the Children’s Health Locus of Control Scale involves:
Result Processing: Collecting responses from the scale and calculating scores for each dimension of health control.
Data Interpretation: Analyzing the scores to determine whether a child has a predominantly internal or external health locus of control, and how this influences their behaviors and choices related to health.
Application: The results can be used by educators, psychologists, and health professionals to support the promotion of children’s health by encouraging the development of an internal locus of control and responsibility for their personal health.

Purpose

The main objectives of the Children’s Health Locus of Control Scale are:
Assessment of Health Perception: To evaluate how children perceive control over their health and how much they believe their actions can influence their health.
Understanding Health Behavior: To explore how the perception of health control influences children’s behavior regarding their health and their willingness to adopt healthy practices.
Intervention Planning: To guide the development of strategies and programs that encourage children to take greater responsibility for their health by developing an internal locus of control.

Calibration

The calibration of the Children’s Health Locus of Control Scale includes:
Scoring: Each item is scored based on the child’s perceptions, typically using a Likert scale to measure the strength of belief in internal or external control.
Statistical Analysis: The data is analyzed to ensure the reliability and validity of the scale, with normative data used to compare individual scores.
Normative Data: Scores are compared against normative data to interpret children’s health locus of control relative to peers or other similar populations.

Bibliography

Wallston, B. S., & Wallston, K. A. (1978). Development of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scales.
Lewis, C. E., & Bradley, C. (1982). Locus of control and health: A review of the literature.
Parcel, G. S., & Meyer, M. P. (1978). Development of an instrument to measure children’s health locus of control.
Perry, C. L., & Kelder, S. H. (1992). Health behaviors and health control beliefs among school-aged children.
Rotter, J. B. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement.