Locus of Control

Hou, Ning; Doerr, Alexa J.; Johnson, Brandon A.; Chen, Peter Y.

doi:10.1002/9781118993811.ch16

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 83 publications

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“…While studies have examined links between religion and health variables, research on the mechanism explaining the relationship between these variables is still developing. One important religious factor that may shape health behaviors is “spiritual health locus of control” – an extension of locus of control research generally (Hou et al, 2017 ; Rotter, 1966 ) that refers to the degree to which a person believes that God or a Higher Power is ultimately in control of one’s health (Gabbard et al, 1986 ). Findings about how these beliefs affect feelings of personal responsibility for one’s health, impact health behaviors, and influence coping behaviors have been mixed (for reviews, see Timmins & Martin, 2019 ; Oman, 2018 ), including differences between faiths and cultures (Shrauger & Silverman, 1971 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Religious Beliefs, Trust In Public Figures, And Adherence to COVID-19 Health Guidelines among American Orthodox and Non-Orthodox Jews

2022

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The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant health crisis highlighted the lack of scholarly understanding of the effects of sociocultural factors and religious beliefs on compliance with public health guidelines. Orthodox Jews in particular were suspected of mistrusting medical experts and were singled out for alleged non-compliance with COVID-19 health guidelines. We surveyed American Jews (N = 1,141) during the early stages of the pandemic about their religious beliefs connected with the pandemic, trust in relevant public figures, and compliance with health guidelines to examine whether and how these factors are related. Generally, participants expressed high levels of trust in scientists, medical professionals, and religious leaders and a high degree of adherence to health guidelines. We examined how trust varies as a function of sociodemographic features, religious affiliation, and health-related religious beliefs (i.e., spiritual health locus of control). Overall, our research underscores the relevance of religious beliefs and trust in public figures to adherence to health guidelines and public health messaging.

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