Hocus-pocus, the focus isn't strictly on locus: Rotter's social learning theory modified for health

Abstract

This paper shows how the author's original modification of Rotter's social learning theory (SLT) highlighting the construct of health locus of control beliefs is no longer adequate. It develops a new modification of SLT where the internal health locus of control beliefs moderate but do not mediate health-promoting behavior. It discusses the development and utility of global indicators of perceived control over health in preference to a strict focus on the locus of the control.