PART 1
Health Locus of Control
PART 2
CONCLUSIONS
METHODS
DISCUSSION
APPENDIXES
You have just completed an experiment regarding the influence of culture on health attitudes, and of health attitudes on health. I am attempting to determine whether assimilation in mainstream United States culture is related to an internal Health Locus of Control (HLC). Individuals with an internal HLC are more likely to attribute the state of their health to aspects within their control. Individuals with an external HLC believe that luck, fate or God, etc., have a more powerful impact. The United States is an individualistic nation. The U. S. also has access to funds and health education, not available worldwide. This might predispose assimilated Americans to be more internal in HLC.
In addition, I am investigating whether individuals with an internal Health Locus of Control report less psycho-somaticism; and whether individuals with an external HLC report more psycho-somaticism. Psycho-somatic symptoms/ illnesses are those which are influenced by an interaction of physical and psychosocial causes. It would be interesting if our perception of control influences the manifestation of such illnesses, as they depend on psychological forces.
I will have the results of this study by April of 1999. Please E-mail me at the below address if you would like to receive a written copy of the results. You may also contact me before then if you have any other questions regarding this study.
Studies involving health may raise concerns about your own physical or mental health. If you are experiencing any concerns or anxiety over issues raised in this study, the following agencies are available to you for your support:
| Health Services | 577-5000 |
| Psychological Services Center | 545-0041 |
| Student Mental Health | 545-2337 |
|
Leila Sutton Undergraduate, Psychology DH Major University of Massachusetts, Amherst sage@student.umass.edu |
Thank You for Participating in this Study!
note: This letter appears in original form. I have since graduated from UMass. If you would like to contact me you may do so via e-mail transmigrate@hotmail.com
