Abstract
On the basis of theoretical analysis and empirical inquiry, a diagnostic instrument DOPO-Z (Personal Causality Orientation Questionnaire – Health) has been constructed, that enables to assess causally oriented attitudes of patients regarding health, illness, and treatment. The “personal causality orientation” denotes a person’s disposition to perceive the causes of various life events and circumstances (1) in one’s own decisions and actions, (2) in the decisions and actions by other people, (3) in factors beyond human will.
In this study, an empirical investigation has been conducted and psychometrical properties of the DOPO-Z have been established. Provisonal quantile norms have been constructed on a sample of 116 university students.
The diagnostic tool thus created is intended for diagnostic screening of individuals and groups in contact with illness and therapy of various kind and severity (patients and their relatives, health care professionals).