On the replicability and correlates of the Parent Health Locus of Control Scales

This study examined the replicability, psychometric properties and socio-demographic correlates of the Parent Health Locus of Control Scales (PHLOC). The original 30-item English version of the PHLOC instrument was translated and applied to a Norwegian sample. The subjects were (1) 1058 mothers of 2-year-old children and residing in the county of Sogn and Fjordane (the total response rate to the survey was 72.9%), and (2) 322 mothers of similar children residing in the neighbouring county of More and Romsdal (response rate 69.7%). Data were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires, and analysed by means of principal component analysis, varimax rotated factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The results identified six sub-factors of the PHLOC instrument. The sub-factors reflected beliefs in Parental, Child, Divine, Fate, Media and Professional Influence over child health. Adequate internal consistency of the sub-scales was observed as a general finding, while the data also suggested further refinement or exclusion of several items. The data pointed to educational differences in control beliefs among parents. The better educated perceived Media and Parental Influence to be more important, and Fate and Professional Influence to be less important, compared to those less educated. In summary, the study supports the cultural correspondence of the PHLOC instrument, several aspects of its validity and the internal consistency of the subscales. However, further research is recommended as regards the validity of PHLOC relative to an external criterion.