AIM: This study aimed to assess the psychometric characteristics of the Slovak translation of the version A of Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (SW-DEQ) among healthy Slovak pregnant women. METHOD: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the SW-DEQ was performed. Several coeffi cients of internal consistency were employed for the whole scale as well as for separate factors. Concurrent/convergent validity was assessed by correlation analysis of the overall SW-DEQ score with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Eysenck Personality Inventory-subscales Neuroticism and Extraversion, as well as with adjusted versions of Beck Depression Inventory and Internal-External Locus of Control Scale. EFA yielded seven factors: 'lack of composure', 'negative appraisal', 'lack of self-effi cacy', 'lack of positive anticipation', 'fear and hopelessness', 'loneliness', and 'concern for the child'. RESULTS: The Cronbach's α of the whole scale was .93, while for the separate factors, it ranged between .68 and .87. The sum score of SW-DEQ correlated weakest with extraversion (in nulliparous women) and locus of control (in multiparous women), and strongest with trait anxiety (in both groups). CONCLUSIONS: The Slovak version could be considered a valid and reliable measure of fear of childbirth among pregnant Slovak women. However, the dimensional structure of the measure warrants further confi rmation (Tab. 7, Ref. 33).

SYNOPSIS The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between locus of control, assertiveness, and anxiety, on one side and headache frequency and severity, on the other. The data were obtained by questionnaires (Rotter Locus of Control Scale, Rathus Assertiveness Schedule, The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire, and a Headache Questionnaire), completed by 222 undergraduate psychology students. A significant correlation was found between anxiety and headache but it was weaker than might be expected considering that headache is commonly viewed as a physiological sign of anxiety. None of the permutations of the personality variables (e.g. internal, more assertive, and less anxious) was useful in predicting or discriminating between the frequency or severity of headache. Perceived internal locus of control and assertiveness were shown to suppress reported anxiety, but only to a minor extent. Unassertiveness was shown to be significantly related to headache severity, only for those subjects with weekly headaches. The discrepancy between reported anxiety and physiological anxiety was discussed and the utility of current self‐report measures in headache research was questioned. Future research should concentrate on investigating the hypothesis that denial is an important component in many self‐report personality measures.