Locus of Control and Motivation to Change among Male Patients with Alcohol Dependence

Abstract

Objective: Drinking related locus of control belief and motivation to change are outcome indicators which are often used in the treatment of patients with alcohol dependence. The purpose of this study was to explore predictors with drinking-related locus of control, and to compare motivation to change and severity level of dependence in alcohol-dependent individuals with internal or external locus of control. Methods: A total of 114 alcohol-dependent inpatients and 46 outpatients were recruited after treatment in a psychiatric hospital in Northern Taiwan. The total scores of drinking-related internal-external locus of control (DRIE) scale served as the independent variable in the analysis to predict factors associated with locus of control. Then, the patients were divided into internal and external control direction groups, and compared for the differences between these two groups in changing motivation and severity level of dependence. Results: Taking action and alcohol dependence severity could predict internal locus of control. Analysis of changing motivation and severity of dependence among patients with internal or external locus of control direction revealed significant differences in taking action and dependence severity. Alcohol-dependent patients with internal direction were more active in change. Conclusion: Drinking-related locus of control belief and motivation to change can be used as outcome indicators in alcohol-dependent treatment. Patients with external locus of control may benefit from therapy designed to enable them to recognize their drinking problem, to decrease their ambivalence, and to increase the likelihood that they will take action. By contrast, patients with internal locus of control may benefit from therapies designed to teach them stress-coping strategies and increase their experience of internal control and confidence.