Locus of Control and Self-Rated Health of entrepreneurs in small-scale enterprises in Sweden – a longitudinal questionnaire study

Introduction  Internal locus of control, i.e. the degree to which an individual perceives events and circumstances as being contingent upon his or her own behaviour, as well as health are regarded as important for successful management. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between locus of control and health for entrepreneurs in small-scale enterprises.    Methods  The study group consisted of 240 entrepreneurs in small-scale enterprises (68% males and 32% females) with 0-49 employees and in different trades. Data about health, and working conditions was assembled by postal questionnaires 2001/2002 and 2006. Locus of control was evaluated in 2006 by eight questions based on the Rotter scale. Self-rated health was evaluated by one question “In general, how would you describe your health?” The response alternatives “very good” or “good”, reported both 2001/2002 and 2006 were classified as “Sustainable good general health”.     Results  Internal locus of control was associated with sustainable good health (OR 1.94, CI 1.10-3.40). Those with internal locus of control considered their work ability towards mental demands as higher than those with external locus of control (p=0.03). No differences between the groups were found in reported time pressure or mental demands in the work as entrepreneur in small-scale enterprises.    Discussion  Locus of control is a concept of importance for entrepreneurs in small-scale enterprises. Entrepreneurs with internal locus of control reported a better health and also regarded them selves more resistant towards mental demands at work. This is in line with previous investigations showing internal locus of control being a moderator of negative effects of stress. Hopefully locus of control can be changed by interventions and thereby is a suitable way of supporting entrepreneurs.