Id like to use MHLC scores as predictors (of health behavior or health status). Do you advocate that I use an analysis of variance approach or a regression approach?
These days, we strongly favor a multiple regression approach, where you use the MHLC scores as continuous variables, rather than any ANOVA approach where you would have to use discrete predictor variables. [Remember, you can still examine interactions among continuous variables using a hierarchical multiple regression procedure, if that is something you wish to do.] I’m doing a longitudinal study in which I gave the MHLC at Time 1 and want to use those scores to predict behavior or outcomes at some later time period. Are health locus of control orientations (as operationalized by scores on the MHLC scale) stable enough to be used as “personality-trait-like” variables? The MHLC was never intended to assess “personality.” It is a measure of beliefs, and beliefs can and do change over time depending on a myriad of factors, among which are intervening experiences. Thus, the MHLC scores are only somewhat stable over time even in samples where no new dramatic health- or illness-related exper
