Interaction of sex, locus of control, and teacher control: Toward a student‐classroom match

Abstract

This study examined the interaction of sex, locus of control, and teacher control on the class room satisfaction, adjustment, and performance of 80 junior high school aged boys and girls. A 2 × 2 × 2 multivariate analysis of variance was carried out with classrooms identified as high and low perceived control using the Classroom Environment Scale and male and female students identified as internal and external locus of control using the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility Questionnaire. The results of the analysis revealed a significant multivariate locus of control by teacher control interaction for males, F(1, 72) = 3.58, p < .01, but no such interaction for females. External males were rated as having more adjustment problems in low than in high control classrooms. Internal males received poorer grades in high than in low control classrooms. While historically psychologists have theorized about the effects of social climate on behavior (Cattell, 1965; Ekehammer, 1974; Lewin, 1951; Murray, 1938), there is currently a heightened interest in systematically assessing such environments and investigating their effects (Moos, 1973). Cowen (1977) suggests that this line of inquiry represents one of the promising approaches to developing a conceptual framework and an empirical base of knowledge on which to build future primary preventive strategies. That is, assuming that behavior (both problematic and healthy) is affected by the social context in which it occurs, preventing the incidence of mental health problems requires an understanding of the nature of this effect. This would appear to be particularly important for 1 The research was conducted as a master's thesis of the first author under the direction of the second author. Appreciation is expressed to Leonard Goodstein and Julian Edney for their helpful suggestions throughout the conduct of the study. 2 AU correspondence should be sent to Paul Harpin, Departmnet of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281.