This study was designed to expand understanding of perceived personal control, its relationship to perceived health and health behavior, and the development of personal control in the individual with rheumatoid arthritis. The theoretical framework for the study was Pender's Health Belief Model. Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile, Self-Evaluation of Health Status, physical and instrumental activities of daily living from the OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment, and various demographics were measured for 67 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis.

Pearson product moment correlations were used to identify significant relationships. Perceived health status was positively related to perceived personal control (internal health locus of control) and negatively related to chance health locus of control. Health behavior was negatively related to chance health locus of control. Stepwise multiple regression was used to identify predictors for health behavior and perceived health status. Negative chance health locus of control emerged as the major significant predictor of both health behavior and perceived health status.

Factors associated with the development of personal control were explored through ten unstructured interviews. Based on content analysis, a model for the development of personal control was constructed. Seven factors grouped into three different themes formed the basis of this model. The first three of these factors, attending classes, gaining information from individual health care providers, and reading materials related to health, supported the theme of (a) increased knowledge of health and rheumatoid arthritis and its management. The next two of these factors, a focus on personal physical response and analysis of one's own life situation supported the theme of (b) self-awareness. The final two factors were interpersonal support and a positive attitude toward life in general which supported the theme of (c) self-confidence in own ability to manage. One of these three themes was present in each discussion of decision-making or actions taken regarding personal health management.