UNASSIGNED: This study aimed to elucidate the relationships among health locus of control, psychological reactance, attitudes toward psychiatric treatment, and patient decision-making preferences within a psychiatric outpatient population.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 200 consecutive psychiatric outpatients from a community mental health center in Tenerife, Spain, were approached for participation between September 2023 and March 2024. Of these, 151 patients consented to participate in this cross-sectional study. Participants were selected based on their willingness to participate and were provided with informed consent forms. Data were collected using the Patient\'s Health Belief Questionnaire on Psychiatric Treatment (PHBQPT) and the Control Preferences Scale (CPS). The PHBQPT evaluates health beliefs impacting adherence to psychiatric treatment, while the CPS assesses the preferred level of involvement in medical decision-making. Sociodemographic data were also collected to contextualize the findings.
UNASSIGNED: Significant correlations were found between patients\' control preferences and their attitudes towards medication, compliance with psychiatric advice, and perceptions of treatment control. A collaborative control preference was notably associated with positive attitudes toward medication and trust in the psychiatrist. These findings suggest that tailored treatment approaches prioritizing patient involvement could enhance adherence and outcomes.
UNASSIGNED:  The study underscores the importance of considering psychological constructs in psychiatric care to foster a holistic, patient-centered approach. Recognizing and integrating patients\' control preferences, attitudes towards medication, and psychological reactance can improve the therapeutic relationship and treatment adherence. Future research should explore longitudinal and interventional studies to further understand the impact of aligning treatment approaches with patient preferences and psychological profiles.
In today’s fast-paced world, understanding how we can better cater to the needs of psychiatric patients is more important than ever. This study, conducted in Tenerife, Spain, with 151 participants, shines a light on the intricate relationship between a patient’s psychological mindset and their involvement in psychiatric care. Researchers explored how patients’ beliefs about health control, their resistance or openness to psychiatric advice, and their preferences in treatment decisions intertwine to affect their approach to psychiatric treatment. The core findings reveal a fascinating tapestry of patient attitudes and behaviors. For example, patients who prefer a joint approach with their psychiatrists toward managing their treatment tend to have a more positive outlook on medication and a deeper trust in their doctors. This suggests that when patients feel they are part of the decision-making process, they are more likely to follow through with treatment plans, leading to better outcomes. What does this mean in everyday terms? Essentially, the study highlights the power of listening and integrating patients’ viewpoints into their care plans. When patients see their insights and preferences reflected in their treatment, their engagement and adherence to medication improve. This not only fosters a more supportive environment for healing but also paves the way for more personalized, effective psychiatric care. In essence, this research is a call to action for healthcare providers to delve deeper into understanding each patient’s unique psychological makeup. By doing so, they can tailor treatments that resonate more closely with the patient’s own beliefs and preferences, ultimately leading to a more positive healthcare experience for everyone involved.

Understanding health-seeking behaviors and their drivers is key for governments to manage health policies. A growing body of research explores the role of cognitive biases and heuristics in health and care-seeking behaviors, but little is known about how a context of heightened anxiety and uncertainty might influence these behavioral drivers. This study analyzes the association between four behavioral predictors-internal locus of control, impatience, optimism bias, and aspirations-and healthcare decisions among low-income women in El Salvador, controlling for other factors. We find positive associations between internal locus of control and preventive health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, a one standard deviation increase in locus of control is associated with a 10% increase in an index measuring the use of masks, distancing, hand washing, and vaccination. Locus of control was also associated with women\'s use of preventive health services (one standard deviation improves the likelihood of having a hypertension test in the last six months by 5.8 percentage points). In a sub-sample of mothers, we find significant relationships between the four behavioral drivers and the decisions the mothers make for their children. However, we find these associations are less robust compared to the decisions they make for themselves. Some associations were stronger during the pandemic, suggesting that feelings of uncertainty and stress could amplify behavioral drivers\' influence on health-related behaviors. This novel finding is relevant for designing policy responses for future shocks. JEL CODES: I12, D10, D91, I30.

The study aims to explore the influence of parental over-protection on academic entitlement of nursing students, and examine the mediating roles of external locus of control and psychological entitlement. The study sampled two medical universities in Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, China. Participants were nursing students in grades one to four (N = 1003; mean age = 19.51 years; 81.95% female). Using a structural equation model, we examined the mediating effect of external locus of control and psychological entitlement on parental over-protection and academic entitlement. The results show that there was a significant correlation between all variables, and external locus of control and psychological entitlement played a serial mediating role between parental over-protection and academic entitlement. Our findings suggest that academic entitlement of nursing students can be reduced by adjusting parental rearing behaviors, reducing students\' psychological entitlement, and teaching them how to form a healthier attribution style.

BACKGROUND: Childhood adversity (CA) is strongly associated with depression and anxiety in later life. Many adults with a history of CA may have internalized an insecure self-concept, which may contribute to negative evaluations of one\'s current well-being relative to different standards. Yet, there is lack of research on well-being comparisons in adults with a history of CA.
OBJECTIVE: We examined aversive well-being comparisons (i.e., comparisons threatening the comparer\'s motives) in the context of CA and their predictive value in depression and anxiety beyond self-esteem, emotion regulation, and external control beliefs. Further, we investigated whether well-being comparison processes mediate the relationship between CA and depression and anxiety.
METHODS: We conducted a two-wave longitudinal study with 942 adult participants (mean age: 31.56 years, SD = 10.49, 18-75 years).
METHODS: Participants completed measures of CA, aversive well-being comparisons (social, temporal, counterfactual, and criteria-based comparisons), self-esteem, emotion regulation, and locus of control at two time points, three months apart.
RESULTS: CA was significantly linked to more frequent aversive well-being comparisons. These comparisons were associated with greater discrepancies relative to the comparison standard and a more negative affective impact, ultimately contributing to higher levels of subsequent anxiety and depression symptoms. Comparison frequency emerged as key mediator, highlighting potential pathways through which CA affects adult mental health. These associations emerged despite controlling for established variables in this context, namely self-esteem, emotion regulation, and external locus of control.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the unique importance of aversive well-being comparisons in individuals with a history of CA.

There is growing evidence suggesting an increased perception of control is associated with reduced psychological distress among survivors of sexual trauma. The current study advances the extant literature by investigating the association between depressive symptoms, sexual trauma, and an external locus of control or the perception life events are outside one\'s own control. To do so, we analyze data from the New Family Structures Study, a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults ages 18-39. Results from ordinary least square regression analyses suggest sexual trauma and an external locus of control are associated with significantly greater depressive symptoms and that external control exacerbates the association between sexual trauma and depression. Such findings suggest future research should investigate environmental control for sexual trauma survivors in areas such as prenatal care and the justice system.

We examined whether cultural values, conformity and parenting behaviours were related to child adjustment in middle childhood in the United States. White, Black and Latino mothers (n = 273), fathers (n = 182) and their children (n = 272) reported on parental individualism and collectivism, conformity values, parental warmth, monitoring, family obligation expectations, and child internalising and externalising behaviours. Mean differences, bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses were performed on variables of interest. Collectivism in mothers and fathers was associated with family obligation expectations and parental warmth. Fathers with higher conformity values had higher expectations of children\'s family obligations. Child internalising and externalising behaviours were greater when Latino families subscribed to individualistic values. These results are discussed in the context of cultural values, protective and promotive factors of behaviour, and race/ethnicity in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: Develop and test a Food-Related Control Scale (FRCS) measuring resident-perceived control in long-term care food service.
METHODS: A bank of 15 initial items based on a multidimensional locus of control construct was developed initially. Expert review, cognitive interviews, a pilot study, and factor analysis were used to validate the instrument and assess reliability.
METHODS: Individual phone-based cognitive interviews and 16 skilled nursing facilities in the US.
METHODS: Cognitive interviews included a convenience sample of independently living adults aged ≥ 65 (n = 13), whereas the pilot study included skilled nursing facility-residing adults (n = 166).
METHODS: Perception of food-related control in a long-term care setting.
METHODS: Cognitive interviews were analyzed to develop items. Quantitative data from skilled nursing facility residents were analyzed using SAS software for structural equation modeling and factor analysis.
RESULTS: A 2-dimensional construct (9 items) of the FRCS demonstrated reliability with factor analysis. Concurrent validity within the locus of control construct was demonstrated with the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (standardized estimate of 0.430; P < 0.1).
CONCLUSIONS: The FRCS may be used to determine how residents in long-term care perceive control over their food experiences. Further testing is necessary to determine the appropriateness of the FRCS for different population uses.

Green spaces, integral to natural environments, have been extensively studied for their positive impact on mental health, yet their influence on social behavior, particularly aggression, is less explored. While prior research has predominantly emphasized the effects of actively engaging with nature, the significant role of passive nature exposure-a more common daily occurrence-has often been overlooked. We conducted two studies to explore the influence of passive green space exposure on aggression and the mediating effect of the sense of control. Study 1 (N = 240) utilized a cross-sectional survey to assess the relationship between passive green space exposure, sense of control, and aggression. Study 2 (N = 260) employed a single-factor between-subjects experimental design to further explore these relationships in a controlled environment. The results from both studies indicated that passive green space exposure is negatively related to aggression, and that this relationship is partially mediated by an increased sense of control. Specifically, passive green space exposure was found to negatively predict aggression by bolstering individuals\' sense of control. These findings underscore the potential of enhancing the sense of control through environmental factors like green spaces as an effective strategy to reduce aggression. This study enriches our understanding of the broader impacts of green spaces, extending beyond mental health to include social behaviors. We discussed both the theoretical and practical implications of our findings, highlighting how urban planning and environmental design can incorporate green spaces to foster community well-being and mitigate aggressive behaviors.

The Traffic Locus of Control scale (T-LOC) serves as a measure of drivers\' personality attributes, providing insights into their perceptions of potential causes of road traffic crashes (RTCs). This study meticulously evaluated the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of T-LOC (T-LOC-A) among Lebanese drivers. Additionally, the study aimed to explore associations between the T-LOC scale and various driving variables, including driver behavior, accident involvement, and traffic offenses. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Lebanese drivers using a face-to-face approach. The validation of the Arabic version of T-LOC (T-LOC-A) occurred through a two-stage process: translating and culturally adapting T-LOC in the first stage, and testing its psychometric properties in the second stage. Data were collected using a comprehensive self-reported questionnaire in Arabic, covering demographic and travel-related variables, risk involvement, and measures such as the Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) and T-LOC. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to scrutinize the factorial structure of T-LOC. Pearson correlation and chi-square tests were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Two logistic regression analyses were executed to probe associations between T-LOC and involvement in road traffic crashes (RTCs) and T-LOC subscales with the occurrence of traffic offenses. The study included 568 drivers, predominantly male (69%) and aged between 30 and 49 years (42.1%). The findings revealed that T-LOC-A exhibited robust psychometric properties, with excellent reliabilities (α = 0.85) and adherence to the original four-factor structure, encompassing self (α = 0.88), other drivers (α = 0.91), vehicle/environment (α = 0.86), and fate (α = 0.66). The multidimensional structure was statistically supported by favorable fit indices. Gender differences revealed men attributing responsibility to other drivers, while women leaned towards fate and luck beliefs. Regarding driver behavior, the \"other drivers\" and self-dimensions of T-LOC-A correlated positively with aggressive violations. The fate dimension showed positive associations with aggressive violations and lapses. The \"other drivers\" subscale correlated positively with errors, and the vehicle/environment subscale with lapses. External T-LOC factors were positively associated with accident involvement, while the \"LOC self\" factor emerged as a protective element. In terms of traffic offenses, \"LOC fate\" displayed a positive association, while the \"LOC self\" factor showed a protective effect. In conclusion, the Arabic T-LOC is a reliable and valuable instrument, suggesting potential improvements in driving safety by addressing drivers\' locus of control perceptions.

BACKGROUND: Pain experienced by women in the perinatal period constitutes a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. The aim of the study was to assess conditions of pain locus of control and pain reduction in post-cesarean section parturients.
METHODS: A cross-sectional quantitative study with convenience sampling was performed among 175 hospitalized post-cesarean section women in hospitals in Eastern Poland in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. A self-design questionnaire regarding general information and obstetrics/gynaecology medical interview, The Pain Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) and The Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) were used. The inclusion criteria were as follows (1) age of ⩾18 years old; (2) cesarean section (CS); (3) period from the 13th hour to the end of the 72nd hour after the procedure; and (4) informed consent. The data was analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics.
RESULTS: Internal locus of control (M = 14.02) was provided the highest value by the parturients and followed by chance events (M = 12.61) and doctors\' power (M = 12.18). Dominant coping with pain strategies in the post-cesarean parturients were coping self-statements (M = 19.06), praying or hoping (M = 18.86). The parturients assessed their pain coping (M = 3.31) strategies along with pain reduction (M = 3.35) at the moderate level. Higher pain control was correlated with cognitive pain coping strategies (β = 0.305; t = 4.632; p < 0.001), internal pain control β = 0.191; t = 2.894; p = 0.004), cesarean section planning (β = -0.240; t = -3.496; p = 0.001) and past medical history of CS (β = 0.240; t = 3.481; p = 0.001). The skill of reduction of pain was positively associated with cognitive pain coping strategies (β = 0.266; t = 3.665; p < 0.001) and being in subsequent pregnancy (β = 0.147; t = 2.022; p = 0.045). Catastrophizing and hoping were related to lower competences of coping with pain (B = - 0.033, SE = 0.012, β = - 0.206, T = -2.861).
CONCLUSIONS: The study allowed for identification and better comprehension of factors conditioning pain control and pain reduction in parturients after the cesarean section. Furthermore, a stronger belief that pain can be dealt with is found in the parturients characterized by cognitive pain coping strategies and internal pain locus of control. The skill of reduction of pain is related to cognitive coping strategy and procreation status.