Amoateng Geoffrey
Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing, Buckinghamshire New University, Uxbridge.
Br J Nurs. 2025 Mar 20;34(6):332-335. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2024.0308.
This article explores the concept of locus of control and its application in nursing practice, particularly in mental health, chronic illness management and holistic care settings. Locus of control, a psychological construct that refers to individuals' perception of control over their lives, has significant implications for health behaviours, coping mechanisms, and recovery from illness. Drawing on evidence-based literature and theoretical frameworks, this article examines how nurses can leverage an understanding of locus of control to empower patients, improve health outcomes, and provide culturally competent care. By integrating locus of control into nursing practice - particularly in patient education, mental health interventions and spiritual care - nurses can foster a more patient-centred approach that aligns with the diverse needs of individuals. The article concludes with recommendations for how nursing professionals can support the development of a more internal locus of control in patients, thereby promoting autonomy, resilience, and better health outcomes.
本文探讨了控制点的概念及其在护理实践中的应用，特别是在心理健康、慢性病管理和整体护理环境中的应用。控制点是一种心理结构，指个体对自己生活的控制感，对健康行为、应对机制和疾病康复具有重要影响。本文借鉴循证文献和理论框架，研究护士如何利用对控制点的理解来增强患者的能力、改善健康结果并提供具有文化胜任力的护理。通过将控制点融入护理实践——特别是在患者教育、心理健康干预和精神护理中——护士可以培养一种更以患者为中心的方法，以满足个体的多样化需求。文章最后提出了一些建议，说明护理专业人员如何支持患者形成更强的内控点，从而促进自主性、恢复力和更好的健康结果。
