In the study, there was a significant correlation between
internal HLC and PPD. Lamanna (2000) and Abraham
(2008) revealed a significant negative correlation between
internal belief and PPD. People with internal belief, particularly
about health (IHLC), have more incentive in helping
themselves and see them as the decisive factor in implementing
changes (Wallston 2005a,b). Based on previous
studies, it could be assumed that high internal belief can
function as a protective factor against depression (Richardson
et al. 2012). Internal belief is associated with positive
awareness and attitudes, psychological status and health
behaviours, and sources of HLC are more associated with
negative health behaviours and weak psychological status
(Wallston 2005b).