Loci of control for health and illness in infertile couples

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the loci of control for health and illness in infertile couples. Methods: 104 infertile couples completed a questionnaire designed to evalua te the loci of control for health and illness. Results: Compared with the general population, perception of internal loci of control was reduced in infertile couples, particularly the women. These couples placed more emphasis on external loci of control. The women scored highest on the fatalistic externality subscale and the men on the social ex ternality subscale. Conclusion: These results indicate that infertile couples have little confi dence in their own capability to influence their condition. They voluntaril y delegate decisions regarding their problem to seemingly higher authority. The patients transfer much responsibility to the physician and their expec tations of physiscian competence are high.