The purpose of the study was to test the reliability and validity of the Korean version of Children's Health Locus of Control Scale(CHLC), an instrument designed to measure health locus of control in children aged 7 to 12. The scale was administered to 467 children in grades 4 to 6, enrolled in 2 elementary schools located in city. The mean age of the subject was 10.03(SD=1.33). The findings were as follows: 1. Cronbach alpha coefficient for internal consistency was .69 for the total, and .67, .65, and .56 on the respective subscales.
2. Construct validity was supported through factorial isolation of three theory consistent subscales: internal, chance, and powerful others.
Two items did not fit well with the originally developed subscale. The total percent of variance explained by 3 factors was 34.5%. The result of the factor analysis according to Kaiser's criterion revealed that the scale was consisted of 5 factors. But, The items of the subscales were rather inconsistent with the dimensions of the locus of control concept.
3. There were significant differences according to parent's educational level and occupation, and birth order on the scores of the CHLC. There were no significant differences according to grade level and sex.
4. The score of the CHLC was significantly correlated with the self concept of the children(r=.14, p<.001).
The result indicated that the Korean version of Children's Health Locus of Control Scale was valid and reliable in measuring health locus of control concept in children, even though further research is required to reconfirm and increase the reliability of the instrument. CHLC could be used for study explaining the health related behavior of the children and research project to health education program.
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