An investigation into the relationship between religiosity, locus of control and preventive health behaviour
Authors
Lennon, Pamela
Issue Date
2009
Degree
BA in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between religiosity, locus of control and preventive health behaviours. Differences among religious denominations were also measured. The Religiosity Scale (Stanovich, 1989) measured the level of religiousness, Rotter's Locus of Control Scale (1966) measured the direction and strength of locus and control and Amir's General Preventive Health Behaviours Checklist (1987) measured preventive health behaviours. The study employed a multivariate correlation design with 100 participants from a course chosen randomly from Dublin Business School. Findings from a Pearson's correlation test showed a significant correlation between religiosity and health behaviour and also a significant correlation between locus of control and health behaviours. Also a Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference between religious denominations on locus of control, health behaviour and religiosity scores. Overall, it was reported that religious, internal individuals are more likely to look after their health than nonreligious, externals. Also differences in trends amongst Roman Catholics were identified.