Cultural variation in health locus of control

Objective. To compare health locus of control scores in women from different ethnic backgrounds. Method. One‐hundred and twenty‐eight Caucasian, South Asian and Afro‐Caribbean women completed written or orally presented versions of the multidimensional health locus of control scale, as well as ratings of religiousness, health status and occupational status. Results. South Asian women scored higher on ‘chance’ and ‘powerful others’ locus of control as predicted. They also had higher scores on internality. The ethnic differences persisted after controlling for occupation and health status. High religiousness among the South Asians appeared to explain some, but not all, of their higher scores. Conclusion. South Asians may differ from British Caucasians in relation to their beliefs about internal and external influences on health.