Self care--who does best?

A clinically evaluated study to assess the benefits of a self care programme in general practice is described. There was significant improvement in psychiatric morbidity at the 6-month follow up, which was maintained at one year. The capacity of Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales to predict long term clinical improvement was demonstrated, suggesting that a predominantly internal control of reinforcement appears to be crucial to the successful adoption of self care practices. The clinical and educational benefits of such programmes in dealing with a wide range of psychophysical problems in primary care is discussed.