Abstract
The purpose of this study was the initial development, validation, and refinement of an instrument to measure weight locus of control, the Weight Attitudes Scale (WAS). Based on the locus of control literature a multidimensional model was used as a basis for an instrument with Self, Chance, and Environmental Factors scales. Original items were chosen via factor analysis from an pool of 62 items. University employees (N = 149) who had previously undergone health screenings in the University's Health Promotion Program completed the WAS questionnaire. Construct validity was assessed by analyzing the relationship between WAS scores and physiological data from the health screenings. WAS scores were also compared to similar types of scores from the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scales and underwent factor analysis (as an item analysis procedure). Results suggested that a shorter two-scale version should be adopted including a Self/Chance scale and an Environmental Factors scale. The relationships between scores from these scales and weight, percent body fat, cholesterol, and cardiovascular fitness were analyzed. The only statistically significant correlation was between Environmental Factors and weight. Correlational analysis between WAS scores with the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scales resulted in significant correlations between WAS Self/Chance and analogous MHLC scales. Alpha reliabilities for the revised WAS were .74 for Self/Chance and .59 for Environmental Factors. Due to small ns only limited norms for subgroups (e.g., education, ethnicity) were available. No significant differences among levels of gender, ethnicity, age, education, of type of employment were found. Results suggest that the weight locus of control construct is similar to the health locus of control construct. Both include the internal determinant, self, and the external determinant, chance. Other external circumstances or situations (i.e., environmental factors) are also perceived as having an effect. Directions for future instrument development are provided.
Casey, Terry Allen (1994). Development and validation of the Weight Attitudes Scale : a measure of weight locus of control. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -1554178.