Fatemeh Afsahi - Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
Mohsen Kachooei - Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran

Abstract Introduction: Increase in the prevalence of hypertension has become a major health problem nowadays. It seems that psychological factors are involved in this chronic disease. The aim of the current research was to compare the health promotion lifestyle and the health locus of control in both individuals with hypertension and healthy individuals. Method: The present study was a causal-comparative research in which ۱۰۰ healthy individuals and ۱۰۰ individuals with hypertension were selected through convenience sampling. To gather the data, the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) were used, and data were analyzed by independent t-test. Results: Findings indicated that among the subscales of lifestyle, there are significant differences between the subscales of physical activity (p < ۰.۰۱), nutrition (p< ۰.۰۱), and interpersonal relationship (p < ۰.۰۱) in both groups.  In terms of health locus of control, there are significant differences in the subscales of chance control (p < ۰.۰۱) and external locus of control (p< ۰.۰۱). Conclusion: Accordingly, health promoting lifestyle and health locus of control are two main psychological constructs related to hypertension. Therefore, focusing on these factors can be useful in the prevention and treatment of this chronic disease.

Keywords: Hypertension, Health-Promoting Lifestyle, Health locus of control