ERIC Number: ED353503
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1992-Aug
Pages: 9
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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Available Date: N/A
Personality, Health Locus of Control, and Health Behavior.
Conway, Terry L.; And Others
Identifying correlates of health behavior is an important step both for understanding and modifying health behavior. This study examined five personality factors (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness) and three dimensions of health locus of control (Internal, Powerful Others, Chance) as correlates of four dimensions of health behavior (Wellness Behaviors, Accident Control, Traffic Risk Taking, Substance Risk). Data from three independent samples (n's=1,303; 2,235; and 1,126) of randomly selected Navy personnel were analyzed. Findings indicated that Internal and Chance (but not Powerful Others) control beliefs were correlated with the personality factors. However, both personality and health locus of control beliefs were independently associated with the health behavior scales, with personality the stronger overall predictor. Findings indicated that Conscientiousness and Agreeableness were two of the most important elements of personality in predicting health behavior. These findings challenge health professionals to develop programs which use personality and control beliefs constructively so they are sources of assistance rather than resistance to change. (Author/NB)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A
Note: Poster presented at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association (100th, Washington, DC, August 14-18, 1992).