The relationship between locus of control, tinnitus severity, and emotional distress in a group of tinnitus sufferers

One hundred and nine tinnitus sufferers attending a specialist out-patient clinic completed questionnaires assessing the following: locus of control of behaviour, anxiety (STAI), depression (BDI) and tinnitus severity. Anxiety and depression were found to be correlated with tinnitus severity, as was locus of control, with ''internals'' reporting their tinnitus to be less severe than ''externals.'' Partial correlations indicated that locus of control did not directly affect tinnitus severity, but rather, this effect was mediated by the effect of locus of control on anxiety and depression.