Headache-Specific Locus of Control and Migraine-Related Quality of Life: Understanding the Role of Anxiety

Purpose

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between headache-specific locus of control (HSLC) and migraine-related quality of life, and anxiety as a mediator of this relationship.

Method

Two hundred and thirty-two people with migraine participated in the treatment of severe migraine trial. At baseline, participants completed self-report questionnaires of headache-specific locus of control (HSLC; subscales?=?internal, chance, and medical professionals), anxiety, and migraine-related quality of life. Correlations examined relationships between HSLC, anxiety, and migraine-related quality of life; ordinary least squares regression evaluated anxiety as a mediator of the relationship between HSLC and migraine-related quality of life.

Results

Higher internal HSLC was related to higher overall migraine-related quality of life (ps?<?.05) and emotion function impairments (p?=?.012). Anxiety mediated the relationship between internal HSLC and all measures of migraine-specific quality of life (ps?<?.05). Higher external (medical professionals and chance) HSLC was related to higher migraine-related quality of life impairments (all ps?<?.001).

Conclusion

All HSLC beliefs are associated with higher migraine-related quality of life impairments. Anxiety mediates the relationship between internal HSLC and migraine-related quality of life.