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Fetal Health Locus of Control scale: Development and validation.

1986; American Psychological Association; Volume: 54; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1037/0022-006x.54.6.814

1939-2117

Sharon M. Labs, Sandy K. Wurtele,

Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects

This article describes the development of the 18-item Fetal Health Locus of Control (FHLC) scale and also demonstrates the scale's utility in predicting maternal health-related behavior during pregnancy. Normative data are presented, along with information on its factor structure and internal consistency. Evidence for discriminant validity of the FHLC in contrast to another measure of locus of control is also provided. Reported cigarette and caffeine consumption during pregnancy were related to locus of control expectancies. Women's intentions to participate in prepared childbirth classes (a means of enhancing self-control over the labor and delivery process) were also related to their locus of control beliefs.