MEASUREMENT OF PERCEIVED CONTROL OVER ANXIETY-RELATED EVENTS

Measures of perceived control over different, specific spheres of an i ndividual's life may form more homogeneous constructs than measures of a broad, general locus of control. Along these lines, it is likely th at anxiety and the anxiety disorders may be characterized by a lack of perceived control over particular events and occurrences such as cert ain internal emotional reactions or externally threatening events. The present study was aimed at developing a questionnaire to measure this construct. Initial item selection was based on data from 250 anxious subjects. Reliability and factor-structure were replicated with a nonc linical group. The scale showed good inter-item and test-retest reliab ility as well as good discriminant and convergent validity. The scale appears promising for clinical application and for use in studies on t he nature and treatment of anxiety and related disorders.