Abstract

This correlational study was designed to describe the relationship between perceived control of health in older adolescents between the ages of 2 0 and 21 years and the likelihood of engaging in health-promoting behaviors. This study was a replication of a study conducted by Mitchell (1987) with adolescents between the ages of 16 and 19 years. The theoretical framework for the study was predicated on Pender's Health Promotion Model (Pender & Pender, 1986) which propositions that cognitive/perceptual and modifying constituents stimulate an individual's likelihood of engaging in health-promoting behaviors. Antecedent researchers have established that cognitive/perceptual components such as locus of control may alter health- promoting behaviors. Perceived control of health was measured by the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale. Health-promoting behaviors were evaluated using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile. Fifty college students between the ages of 20 and 21 years, composed the sample. Three null hypotheses stated that there would be no relationship between the three subscales of the MHLC and the total score on the Lifestyle Profile. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample, and the iii Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to test the hypothesis. Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was used to calculate internal consistency for the MHLC and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1993

Publication Number

27919868

First Advisor

Naucy Hiel

Document Type

Thesis

Included in

Nursing Commons

COinS