Volume 78, Issue 1 pp. 18-23
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Locus of control, life events and treatment outcome in alcohol dependent patients

G. Canton M.D.

Corresponding Author

G. Canton M.D.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research and Treatment Service (Head: L. Gallimberti, M.D.), Dolo General Hospital, Venice, and Institute of Psychiatry (Head: Professor L. Pavan), University of Padua, Italy

*Servizio di Alcologia e Farmacodipendenza Via Arino 4 30031 Dolo Venezia ItalySearch for more papers by this author
L. Giannini

L. Giannini

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research and Treatment Service (Head: L. Gallimberti, M.D.), Dolo General Hospital, Venice, and Institute of Psychiatry (Head: Professor L. Pavan), University of Padua, Italy

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G. Magni

G. Magni

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research and Treatment Service (Head: L. Gallimberti, M.D.), Dolo General Hospital, Venice, and Institute of Psychiatry (Head: Professor L. Pavan), University of Padua, Italy

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A. Bertinaria

A. Bertinaria

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research and Treatment Service (Head: L. Gallimberti, M.D.), Dolo General Hospital, Venice, and Institute of Psychiatry (Head: Professor L. Pavan), University of Padua, Italy

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M. Cibin

M. Cibin

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research and Treatment Service (Head: L. Gallimberti, M.D.), Dolo General Hospital, Venice, and Institute of Psychiatry (Head: Professor L. Pavan), University of Padua, Italy

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L. Gallimberti

L. Gallimberti

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research and Treatment Service (Head: L. Gallimberti, M.D.), Dolo General Hospital, Venice, and Institute of Psychiatry (Head: Professor L. Pavan), University of Padua, Italy

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First published: July 1988
Citations: 17

ABSTRACT

We investigated the relationship of locus of control and life events to outcome of treatment at 6 months in 67 patients with alcohol dependence. Outcome was less favourable in patients with pre-treatment scores indicating external locus of control than in those with internal locus of control. Furthermore, patients with relapse in the follow-up period experienced more independent life events with moderate to severe objective negative impact than those with more favourable outcome. These results suggest that locus of control may be of clinical use in formulating treatment and prognosis, and that the occurrence of life events may influence outcome. The results are discussed in relation to strategies for treatment and prevention of relapse.

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