Health Locus of Control of Female Inmates From the Virginia Correctional Center for Women (VCCW) Measured by the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale

• NCJ Number: 117739
• Journal: Journal of Prison and Jail Health Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall/Winter 1988) Pages: 98-108
• Author(s): J E Zehner Moore; D McDermott; J Cox
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study involved 161 female inmates from the Virginia Correctional Center for Women (VCCW).

Abstract

The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale provided data for this study. Correlation between forms A (n = 158) and B (n = 154) proved that forms were consistent with the literature. Z-score statistic compared results between female inmates and normal, healthy adults. Internal control was significantly lower for female inmates on all three tests, and Chance control was significantly higher on two of the tests. Powerful Others control did not differ. These results may be explained by characteristics of a prison environment, i.e. encouraged dependence, low control over surroundings, and lack of an adequate prison health staff and facilities. There was no relationship found between health locus of control and reported frequency and degree of health problems. (Author abstract modified)