The purpose of this pilot study was to compare internal and chance health locus of control and God locus of health control scores between mainstream Evangelical and nondenominational Charismatic Christians attending churches in Southwest Ohio. For this study, the United Methodist Church was used to represent mainstream Evangelical Christians. A comparison between African Americans and European Americans within the sample population was also made. The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control and God Locus of Health Control Scales were integrated into one survey for use in this study. Using stratified random sampling, eight churches (four United Methodists and four nondenominational Charismatic) were selected. Two of the four in each of the two groups were predominantly African American and two were predominantly European American. Convenience sampling was used to survey adult church members during Sunday worship services. A total of 318 surveys (125 from United Methodist Churches and 193 from nondenominational Charismatic Churches) were obtained. Using the t test, mean scores from each of the locus of control scales were compared between subgroups. Results indicated that nondenominational Charismatic Christians had a stronger belief in God locus of health control than United Methodist Christians. It also indicated that European American United Methodists had a stronger belief in chance locus of health control than African American United Methodists; however African American United Methodist had a stronger belief in God locus of health control. Results support the significance of locus of control within the religious community and warrants consideration when developing faith or church based health ministries or health programs. Further research of other religious groups was recommended.
Upon completion of this presentation our participants will be able to:
1. Compare differences and similarities in health locus of control and God locus of health control beliefs between mainstream evangelical and nondenominational charismatic Christians.
2. Explain differences and similarities in health locus of control and God locus of health control beliefs between African Americans and European Americans attending mainstream evangelical churches.
3. Describe differences and similarities in health locus of control and God locus of health control beliefs between African Americans and European Americans attending nondenominational charismatic churches.
4. Discuss the relationship between religious health beliefs and the acceptance or rejection of health and wellness information within the mainstream evangelical church and the nondenominational charismatic church.