In previous studies, internal locus of control (ILC) has been pointed out as a
key factor for return to work after vocational rehabilitation. The aim of the
current study was to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of ILC in a
Swedish vocational rehabilitation context. The study was based on data from
347 long-term sick-listed clients collected at the onset of vocational
rehabilitation. A first bi-variate analysis showed that ILC was positively
associated with physical functioning and general health, and negatively
associated with bodily pain. The analysis also showed that women, more than
men, reported high internal locus of control. After a second multivariate
analysis, only bodily pain remained associated. It is concluded that there
exist a strong and negative association between bodily pain and internal
locus of control. Clients with severe pain often also suffer from low internal
locus of control. This should be kept in mind when providing vocational
rehabilitation.
2008. Vol. 30, no 2, p. 149-155