Skip to main content
Log in

The locus of control: It’s significance in the irritable bowel syndrome

  • Published:
Irish Journal of Medical Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

PSYCHOLOGICAL factors have a role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptomatology. The locus of control test determines an individual’s degree of internality or externality. The degree of internality or externality does not influence the site of major Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptomatology. Externalizers have a worse prognosis than internalizers. This effect on prognosis should be borne in mind when testing for diet and or drug efficacy.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Fielding, J. F. 1977. The Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Clinical spectrum. In the G.I. tract and stress and psychosocial disorder. T. P. Almy, J. F. Fielding (eds.). London, W. B. Saunders Co Ltd. pp. 607–622.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fielding, J. F. 1978. Clinical and radiological manifestations of the Irritable bowel syndrome. Jour. Roy. Irish Colls. Phys. Surgs. 8, 11–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fielding, J. F. 1979. The ‘Butterfly’ effects of stress. G.P. 19th January, p. 30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gore, P. M. 1966. Unpublished doctoral thesis (Ohio State University 1962). Quoted by J. B. Rotter in Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement, J. B. Rotter (auth.). Psychological Monographs Vol. 50; Whole No. 609, p. 24.

  • Hislop, I. G. 1971. Psychologicail significance of the Irritable Colon Syndrome. Gut 12, 452–457.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Palmer, R. L., Stonehill, E. Crisp, A. H., Waller, S. L., Misiewizc, J. J. 1974. Phychological characteristics of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Practical implications for the primary physician. Gastroenterology 70, 162–166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rotter, J. B. 1966. Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs, Vol. 80, Whole No. 609.

    Google Scholar 

  • Young, S. J., Alpers, D. H., Norland, C. C., Woodruff, R. A., Jnr. 1976, Psychological characteristics of patients with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Postgrad. Med. Jour. 50, 416–419.

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitehead, W. E., Engel, B. T. and Shuster, M. M. 1980. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Physiological and psychological differences between diarrhoea-predominant and constipation-predominant patients. Dig. Dis. Sci. 25, 404–412.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Requests for reprints to: Dr. John F. Fielding, Department of Medicine and Gastroenterology, The Charitable Infirmary, Jervis Street, Dublin 1.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Ryan, W.J., Dolphin, T. & Fielding, J.F. The locus of control: It’s significance in the irritable bowel syndrome. I.J.M.S. 153, 130–132 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02939875

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02939875

Keywords

Navigation