peripheral characteristic" (p. 633), considerable conflict persists

regarding its validity. Factor analytic studies of this construct

(Lindbloom & Faw, 1982) have yielded more factors than the theory

accounts for on the generalized scale. Wallston, Wallston, Kaplan, and

Maedes (1976) suggest that an explanation of these contradictory

findings may be found in the theory.

 According to this theory, it is assumed that increasing an
 individual's experience in a given situation will lead to the
 development of specific expectancies. These expectancies
 subsequently play a greater role in determining one's future
 behavior in that situation than more generalized expectancies.
 It stands to reason that research whose aim is the prediction
 of behavior in specific situations could profit from the use
 of more specific expectancy measures. (p. 580)

The authors believed that a health-related locus of control scale would

provide more sensitive predictions of the relationship between locus of

control and health behavior.

 Richard Lau (1982) conducted a study "to explore possible

determinants of health locus of control beliefs" (p. 323). Using a

multidimensional health locus of control battery, he found that early

health habits concerning self-care, such as brushing teeth, getting

exercise, getting enough sleep, proper nutrition, and other health

habits regarding utilization of the medical profession were positively

correlated with internal health locus of control. Recent illness was

not related to either internal or external control, suggesting that

health locus of control could be a stable trait. Another factor related

to internality is socio-economic status, with higher SES subjects being

positively correlated with internality. A surprising result of his

survey was that having a physician in the family was not a significant

factor in determining locus of control.