Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale

The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) is an 18-item measure developed by Wallston, Wallston, and DeVellis (1978) to assess individual differences in health-related beliefs about the locus of control—that is, to whom or what people attribute responsibility for their health. The MHLC measures three dimensions: Internal control (belief that health is determined by one's own actions and responsibility), Powerful Others control (belief that health is determined by healthcare providers, family, or powerful authority figures), and Chance control (belief that health is determined by fate, luck, or uncontrollable events). These beliefs profoundly influence health behavior engagement, treatment adherence, and response to health information. The MHLC is widely used in health behavior research, patient education evaluation, and clinical practice to understand how beliefs about health control shape behavior and to tailor communication styles.