Benue State University, Makurdi

Effect of religious orientation and social support on health locus of control among undergraduates of University of Jos

Ojih, Emmanuel Eche, Dashit, Samson Ishaya, Tanko, Tsoka Danbaba
(Department of Psychology, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria +2347062663826, uchoaondoaver@yahoo.com)

Abstract

This study examined the effect of religious orientation and social support on health locus of control among undergraduates in Nigeria. It was hypothesized that: (1) there will be a main effect of religious orientation on health locus of control, (2) that there will be a main effect of social support on health locus of control, and (3) that there will be an interaction effect of religious orientation and social support on health locus of control. One hundred and fiftyseven (157) participants, with 76 males and 81 females with a mean age of 30.04 years and a standard deviation of 9.2 participated in this study. The study employed a 2x2 factorial design. Using the analysis of variance (ANOVA), results showed that there was a significant main effect of religious orientation on health locus of control, F (1, 153) = 10.010, p = 0.002 (p<.05); however, the study found no significant main effect of social support, F (1, 53) = 0.306, p = 0.581 (p>.05); and no significant interaction effect of religion and social support, F (1, 53) = 1.013, p = 0.316 (p>.05). It was therefore recommended among others, that health care providers and school administrators shouldcreate more religious awareness which is meaningful and related to their lives.

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