Multidimensional control beliefs, socioeconomic status, and health.

Objectives: To investigate the role of control beliefs in the relationship between SES and health.

Methods: Two different aspects of perceived control - contingency beliefs (locus of control) and competence beliefs (self-efficacy) - were examined in relation to subjective SES and physical health outcomes (subjective health, functional impairment, chronic health problems, and acute health symptoms) in a diverse sample of undergraduates (N=231).

Results: Low self-efficacy was directly associated with poorer health outcomes and mediated the relationship between low SES and health, whereas locus of control did not.

Conclusions: Health behavior interventions targeting generalized competence beliefs may benefit individuals from low SES backgrounds.