Is Thalassemia Patient’s Well-being Impacted by Locus of Control, Gender and Experiential Avoidance?

Abstract

Several individual difference risk factors, including the presence of external locus of control, psychopathology and gender have been linked with thalassemia patients’ diminished well-being. Experiential avoidance (EA) was found to moderate symptom presentation in chronic patients; however its relation to thalassemia and well-being has not yet been examined. The present study explored differences between 2 levels of locus of control (external vs. internal) on physical and mental well-being in 74 thalassemia patients. The SF-36, AAQ-II and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC-C) questionnaires were used. Individuals with external locus of control had significantly lower mental quality of life compared to those with internal control. Individuals with high EA presented with significantly lower physical quality of life but did not differ in terms of locus of control. There was no significant interaction between gender and EA on well-being. EA was found to be a significant moderator only for internal locus of control on well-being. Implications of the results may aid in the design of individualised health care programs for thalassemia patients.