Health value, health locus of control, and the prediction of health protective behaviors

In order to clarify the effects of health locus of control and value placed on participation in health protective behaviors, a questionnaire was formulated that included (a) a 20-item shortened version of the Lau and Ware multidimensional HLC Scale, (b) the 4-item health value index used by Seaman and Seeman, and (c) a 10-item index of health protective behaviors. Interviews were conducted with 213 undergraduate, college students. Results of a multiple regression are presented for the entire sample and separately for those low and high in health value. For the entire sample, health value is a stronger predictor than HLC of participation in HPBs. For the separate equations, a more internal HLC substantially increases participation in HPBs for those high in health value but not for those low in health value. Furthermore, respondents with high health value and internal HLC appear most likely to engage in HPBs.