Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether health locus of control accounted for differences in perception of pain relief in persons who had abdominal surgery and received epidural analgesia as a method to control acute
pain postoperatively. Forty subjects who met the study criteria responded to the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control questionnaire. Their level of perceived pain was determined by a review of medical records. Findings indicated no statistical significance in pain perception when subjects were
categorized as having an internal, chance, or powerful others health locus of control. Recommendations for further research and implications for nursing practice are given.
