LOCUS OF CONTROL INFLUENCES DIATHESIS-STRESS EFFECTS IN RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Research on diathesis-stress models of depression has focused on the s ociotropy-dependency and autonomy-self-criticism dimensions of persona lity as major diathesis factors. Locus of control (LOC) may also act a s such a diathesis factor. Since it focuses on control-relevant dimens ions of both the environment and the person, it may also relate to con gruence or person/situation fit. In a sample of 62 female rheumatoid a rthritis patients, depression affect was predicted by the interactions of spousal criticism and spousal support and LOG. Poor health, in the form of activity limitation, predicted depressive affect generally, b ut for internals greater levels of support were related to greater dep ression. A person/situation perspective can employ both diathesis-stre ss and congruence models in investigating mental health. (C) 1997 Acad emic Press.