The effect of locus of control on attitudes towards depression and schizophrenia
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Objective: There is no consensus about the effects of personality traits on attitudes toward mental illness. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of locus of control on attitudes toward depression and schizophrenia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 196 university students was conducted. Attitudes toward depression and schizophrenia were assessed by a questionnaire designed by the authors and locus of control was measured by using Internal-External Locus of Control Scale developed by Rotter. Results: The items of the attitudes questionnaire were analyzed one by one to find out the effect of locus of control to attitudes toward mental disorders. There is a statistically significant difference between the participants who answered the item as 'I agree' and 'I don't agree' in one out of 15 items of depression part and two out of 15 items of schizophrenia part of the questionnaire. Discussion: Although many studies have shown that an individual's belief about locus of control has an important influence on his/her attitudes and behaviors, in this study it was seen that locus of control had no or minimal effect on attitudes toward depression and schizophrenia. But there is a need to implement new studies to illuminate the subject.