Effect of Headache Websites on Locus of Control and Self‐efficacy of Readers

Abstract

Objective

Could a website be developed that would be more evidence‐based and lead to readers having more positive cognitions (locus of control, self‐efficacy) with respect to managing their headaches than the current websites?

Method

A new website was developed based on learning to cope with headache triggers rather than the traditional advice to avoid all triggers. An existing, commonly accessed, influential website was used for comparative purposes, which was equal in length and equivalent in readability to the new website. Sixty‐two participants (42 female, 20 male) who had suffered from frequent headaches for at least 12 months were randomly assigned to reading one website or the other, followed by completing the following measures: Headache Management Self‐Efficacy Scale, Headache‐Specific Locus of Control scale, and a survey including questions on confidence and optimism with respect to managing headaches.

Results

Analyses indicated that readers of the “coping” website compared with the traditional website had higher self‐efficacy (p < .001) and lower chance locus of control (p < .001). The difference between the groups on internal locus of control was not significant when family‐wise error adjustments were made (p < .04). Readers of the “coping” website felt more confident in managing their headaches (p < .006), more optimistic in managing their headaches (p < .003), and more optimistic that their headaches might decrease in frequency, intensity, and duration (p < .001).

Conclusion

Websites need periodic revision as the research literature unfolds, and website designers should take into account the cognitive impact of websites.

Key words:

• headache
• locus of control
• migraine
• self‐efficacy
• triggers
• websites

Authors: The authors are both psychologists. The primary author has been engaged in headache research for over 40 years, and the other author has recently completed her master's degree in health psychology.

Authors: The authors are both psychologists. The primary author has been engaged in headache research for over 40 years, and the other author has recently completed her master's degree in health psychology.

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our appreciation to Headache Australia for allowing us to access their Register to obtain participants for the research. We would also like to express our thanks to Dr Katrina Simpson and Dr Simon Moss for advice on the statistical analyses.

Notes

Authors: The authors are both psychologists. The primary author has been engaged in headache research for over 40 years, and the other author has recently completed her master's degree in health psychology.