Locus of control as a measure of ineffectiveness in anorexia nervosa.

Using D. W. Reid and E. E. Ware's (1974) Internal–External Locus of Control Scale (I–E scale), scores of 54 female anorexia nervosa patients were compared to norms. Younger anorexic patients (mean age 16.3 yrs) demonstrated higher internal control compared to norms on items related to fatalism and social-system control. I–E scores for older patients (mean age 21.2 yrs) could not be differentiated from the norms. Comparison of high (external) with low (internal) scorers within the sample revealed significant differences on clinical variables related to weight history, eating habits, and psychosocial behavior. In addition, externality was associated with symptomatic scores on the Beck Depression Scale, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Restraint Scale, and 16 PF. It is concluded that the I–E scale may provide a useful prognostic index for the subgroup of anorexic patients who demonstrate external I–E orientation. (35 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)