The derivation and validation of six multidimensional health locus of control scale clusters

The purpose of this research was twofold. First, to determine if eight Multidimensional Health Locus of Control types hypothesized by Wallston and Wallston (1982) existed. Second, to assess the reliability, validity, and clinical utility of the control types. Two investigations were conducted based on research procedures designed for the discovery of clusters. The first study involved the derivation and replication of MHLC clusters with a sample of 400 healthy undergraduate men and women. The results of Study 1 suggested the existence of six MHLC clusters: (a) pure internal; (b) double external; (c) pure chance; (d) yea sayer; (e) nay sayer, and (f) believer in control. The sample for Study 2 consisted of 90 female undergraduate and graduate students. The six‐cluster solution was replicated in this second cross‐validation study. Furthermore, construct validity of the clusters was established through computer simulation. Finally, relationships between clusters and the Krantz Health Opinion Survey suggested the clusters have a theoretical as well as a empirical foundation. The implications of these findings for clinical practice, for the development of the health locus of control construct, and for future research on the MHLC Scale are discussed.