Exploring the Relationship between Cyberchondria, Intolerance of Uncertainty, External Health Locus of Control and Defensive Pessimism among Middle-aged Adults

By : Stuti Mehta

Page No: 195-204

Abstract
Information on the Internet is easily accessible and it is common source to look up health related information. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between cyberchondria, intolerance of uncertainty, external health locus of control and defensive pessimism along with exploring the predictors cyberchondria among middle-aged adults. The sample consisted of 120 individuals, 64 females and 56 males, between the age group 40 to 59 years from Mumbai Metropolitan City. Demographic details, Cyberchondria Severity Scale Short Form, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Health Locus of Control scale and Defensive Pessimism Questionnaire were filled by the participants using Google Forms. All variables had a significant positive relationship with each other except for external health locus of control and defensive pessimism. As expected, intolerance of uncertainty, external health locus of control and defensive pessimism independently significantly predicted cyberchondria. Cyberchondria is becoming an important concern. Appropriate intervention strategies can be developed based on these findings.

Author :
Stuti Mehta : Department of Psychology, Maniben Nanavati Women’s College (SNDT University).
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPR.2023.18.02.5