Perceived Locus of Control as a Function of Father Absence, Age, and Geographic Location

Abstract

Summary This study examines locus of control in children of father absent homes. The Ss were 312 children approximately equally divided into two age groups and living in two geographical locations: 4- to 6-year-olds and 9- to 12-year-olds living in a large metropolitan area or a mountainous Appalachian area of the South. Some of the Ss were from households with a male head; other Ss had a father absent from the home. In all cases, father absence was due to divorce or long separation. All Ss were administered a locus of control measure appropriate to their age—the younger ones, the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for Preschool and Primary Grade Children and the older ones, the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control for Children. An analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences as a function of age and also of father absence or presence. There were no significant differences attributable to geographic location. Ss from father-absent homes were more external than those from father present homes, and older Ss were more external than younger Ss.