Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2008

Publication Source

Journal of Exercise Physiology

Abstract

Locus of control (LOC) describes an individual’s generalized beliefs or expectancies that their reinforcements are under internal versus external control (1). An individual exhibits either an internal or external LOC. This study examines the link between LOC and selected health risk factors in adolescents. A convenience sample of 167 high school physical education students completed a 13-item LOC questionnaire based on Rotter’s 1966 instrument.

Various anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and body fat were recorded on all subjects. A subsample of 61 female students received blood chemistry analysis that included a lipid profile, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Apo A-1, and Apo B. Mean body fat percents and LOC scores were significantly correlated (r=0.208; p=0.006), and mean body fat percent was significantly different between the internal and external LOC groups (p=0.039). Regression equations were developed to predict HbA1c from hip circumference and LOC, and to predict Apo A-1 from LOC. Predictability was 99.8% and 97% respectively.

We conclude that, with further research, LOC may prove to be a useful tool for screening large groups of adolescents for disease risk.

Inclusive pages

1-8

ISBN/ISSN

1097-9751

Document Version

Published Version

Comments

Document is made available for download with publisher permission. Documentation is on file.

To view this article, visit your academic library or the publisher's website.

Publisher

American Society of Exercise Physiologists

Volume

11

Issue

1

Peer Reviewed

yes

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