Perceived control and immune and pulmonary outcomes in children with asthma

OBJECTIVE: This study tested the relationships between perceived control and biological processes relevant to asthma in children. METHODS: Forty children diagnosed with asthma completed the Children's Health Locus of Control (CHLC) scale. Participants also completed pulmonary function testing, measuring forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Blood was drawn to assess immune markers associated with asthma. Specifically, stimulated production of the cytokines interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-13 (IL-13), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), as well as eosinophil count, was measured. At home, participants completed peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measures to monitor their daily pulmonary function. RESULTS: Higher levels of perceived control were associated with significantly better FVC, FEV1, and PEFR variability. Higher levels of perceived control were also associated with decreased production of asthma-related cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that psychological processes such as perceived control may play an important role in asthma-related biological processes among children with asthma.