A shortened version of the Headache-Specific Locus of Control Scale in Spanish population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Further questions need to be addressed in the evaluation of locus of control (LOC) in headaches, such as reducing scale length and adapting them to diverse cultural environments, as in the case of Spain.

METHODS

We perform a confirmatory factor analysis of the most outstanding items contained in the Headache-Specific Locus of Control Scale in the responses of 118 patients suffering from headaches who received assistance at public health care centers in the province of Seville (Spain).

RESULTS

The adjustment was positive, thus confirming the original structure of 3 factors: internal locus of control (LOC-I), health care professionals' LOC, and chance locus of control (LOC-C). Scale validation was performed by examining associations both with headache clinical parameters and psychological measures. The latter included self-efficacy, internal language, coping strategies, and pain behaviors. LOC-C results deserve special mention, supporting the idea that it seems more important to avoid that patients develop LOC-C rather than boosting LOC-I and LOC-P expectations.

CONCLUSIONS

The so-called Headache-Specific Locus of Control Scale-Short Form 9 has turned out to be a parsimonious (9 items), valid, and reliable measure of headache LOC.