Health locus of control beliefs and attitudes toward people with AIDS

Abstract

We report the relationships between health locus of control beliefs and attitudes toward people with AIDS. Respondents were 359 adult Australians (18 years to 75 years of age). Generally, negative attitudes were associated with the view that the respondents' own health status was affected by powerful others (e.g., doctors) and chance factors. Belief in the influence of powerful others, however, only appeared to be a significant factor in the attitudes of women, while internal locus of control was related to positive attitudes for men only. The findings are discussed with reference to the health locus of control concept and traditional sex roles.