Control cognitions and psychological disturbance in people with contrasting physically disabling conditions

Purpose: This study examines the role of control cognitions, i.e. locus of control (LOC), in predicting adaptation to two contrasting physically disabling conditions. Method: Locus of control beliefs were investigated in terms of their relationship with psychological distress (anxiety and depression) experienced by people facing either spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis (MS). The role of pain experience was also considered in terms of its impact on psychological distress in both groups. Results: Results indicated that although SCI subjects were more internally oriented than MS subjects, internality was not linked to lower levels of depression or anxiety in either group, although within the SCI group an external LOC was associated with increased depression and physical disability. Conclusions: For people facing a future with the challenge of physical disability, the pattern of progression of disability over time may be of significance in the development of psychological distress.