Factorial Validity of the Health Locus of Control (HLC) Scale

Abstract

The factor structure of the Health Locus of Control (HLC) scale is compared for two groups of women differing in regard to experience with major illness and physical fitness activities. Although both groups yielded a two-factor structure, certain noteworthy contrasts emerged. For healthy women engaged in physical fitness activities, a personal responsibility dimension was found to be central. For a group of cancer patients, a "fate" component appeared primary in variance accounted for in the HLC scale. Implications of these findings are discussed.