RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To examine the interactions among the different dimensions of the health locus of control (HLC), the patient-doctor relationship and medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: In a cross-sectional design, 69 chronically ill schizophrenia outpatients were assessed by established self-rating scales. The statistical analyses were based on multiple regression models. RESULTS: Patients' ratings of the therapeutic relationship and the powerful others dimension of the HLC were significantly correlated with medication adherence. The effect of the powerful others HLC on adherence was mediated by therapeutic relationship. CONCLUSIONS: A trustful working alliance between therapists and patients is supportive for medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia.