Internal-External Control

Abstract: Examined the relationship between managerial locus of control (Rotter's Internal-External Control Scale), perceived stress (Subjective Stress Scale), coping behaviors (task- vs emotion-centered as defined in the R. L. Kahn et al 1964 typology), and performance (credit ratings). 90 small business own

Abstract: Do locus of control beliefs change in later life? Is locus of control related to aging-relevant outcomes involving intelligence and health? In past research on these topics, the use of unidimensional and generalized measures of locus of control has led to a set of inconsistent findings. Three studies were conducted to examine the usefulness of multidimensional and domain-specific measures of locus of control for examining age differences and correlates. College students and elderly adults were compared on Levenson's multidimensional and generalized (internal, chance, and powerful others) locus of control scales and two domain-specific versions related to intelligence and health. As predicted, no age differences were found with generalized measures, but the elderly were more external on intelligence- and health-specific locus of control dimensions. Age differences were found most often on the chance and powerful others control dimensions, suggesting that the elderly acknowledge the importance of external sources of control and at the same time preserve their sense of internal control. In addition, the domain-specific scales were better predictors of behavioral outcomes within their respective domains for the elderly but not for the young. The findings suggest that multidimensional and domain-specific conceptions of control are advantageous for aging research.

Abstract: This paper attempts a critical review not so much of the concept of locus of control as the plethora of unidimensional or sphere-specific measures that have been developed in the past 25 years. After a brief history of the development of the concept of locus of control, various oft-repeated and some new criticisms are considered. One frequent response to problems associated with the original concept and scale has been to develop new psychometrically validated, sphere- or topic-specific measures. These are tabulated and reviewed under five headings: measures (either multidimensional or sphere-specific) of the general concept of locus of control; measures devised specifically for children and adolescents; measures that have concentrated on aspects of mental and physical health; work, career and economic locus of control measures; and finally, measures which have extended the locus of control concept into other areas. The advantages and disadvantages of this proliferation of measures is considered in some detail, especially the issue of incremental validity, and recommendations are made for future work in this area.

Abstract: Three studies were conducted to examine the relationship between a multi-dimensional measure of locus of control and sociopolitical activism, controlling for the effects of political ideology. In Study 1, 98 male college students completed a measure of conservatism-liberalism. Kerpelman's Activism scale, and locus of control scales designed to differentiate between two types of externals: belief in powerful others versus belief in chance forces. In Studies 2 and 3, female college students (Ns=26 and 40) who differed in the extent of their participation in leftist political activities or feminist causes responded to the multidimensional locus of control scales. As predicted, results from analyses of variance and trend analyses indicate that for liberals, increases in expectancies of control by powerful others are positively associated with increases in activism, while for conservatives, there is a negative relationship. The importance of controlling for ideology and the implications of the differentiated view of externality for understanding social action are discussed.