Locus of Control Influences Diathesis-Stress Effects in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Research on diathesis-stress models of depression has focused on the sociotropy-dependency and autonomy-self-criticism dimensions of personality as major diathesis factors. Locus of control (LOC) may also act as such a diathesis factor. Since it focuses on control-relevant dimensions of both the environment and the person, it may also relate to congruence or person/situation fit. In a sample of 62 female rheumatoid arthritis patients, depression affect was predicted by the interactions of spousal criticism and spousal support and LOC. Poor health, in the form of activity limitation, predicted depressive affect generally, but for internals greater levels of support were related to greater depression. A person/situation perspective can employ both diathesis-stress and congruence models in investigating mental health.