Locus of control, repression-sensitization, and psychological disorder in chronic pain patients.

Examined the relationship between locus of control and psychological disorder in chronic pain patients controlling for the effects of response sets. Fifty-nine patients with chronic low back pain were given Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control (I-E) scale and the MMPI. Multiple regression analysis showed that the MMPI K, F, and Pt scales produced the most efficient prediction of I-E scores. Response set tendencies to dramatize problems and traits that involve excessive rumination and self-doubt were related to external locus of control.