Sphere-specific measures of perceived control.

Abstract

Evidence for the multidimensionality of perceived control is briefly reviewed. It is proposed that individual differences in perceived control be partitioned into components associated with three primary spheres of behavior: (a) personal efficacy—control over the nonsocial environment as in personal achievement, (b) interpersonal control—control over other people in dyads and groups, and (c) sociopolitical control—control over social and political events and institutions. Assessment instruments are presented for measuring perceived control in each of these three spheres.* A three-factor structural model is tested using confirmatory factor analysis, and the results are strongly supportive. The scales are shown to have impressive convergent and discriminant validity in relation to other individual difference measures. Evidence from several laboratory and field studies is reviewed to support the predictive validity of the three scales. Over the last 10 years, it has become generally accepted that the construct of locus of control is multidimensio nal (for recent reviews, see Phares, 1978; Strickland, 1977). Models of the factor structure, however, have come in several varieties. Many researchers