The relationship between shame and locus of control, self-efficacy as well as self-esteem

Abstract

Objective To explore the influence of locus of control, self-efficacy and self-esteem on shame. Methods Total 924 students from six primary and middle schools in Chengdu were recruited by stratified sampling. They were assessed with locus of control, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and shame questionnaire. Results (1)Shame was significantly negatively related with self-efficacy(r=-0.248) and self-esteem(r=-0.318), and was significantly positively related with locus of control(r=0.185). Locus of control was negatively associated with self-efficacy(r=-0.214) and self-esteem(r=-0.254). Self-efficacy was positively related with self-esteem(r=0.440); (2) Self-esteem played partial mediating role between shame and locus of control as well as self-efficacy; (3)Self-efficacy played partial mediating role between locus of control and self-esteem as well as shame; (4)High self-esteem group and low self-esteem group existed significant differences in whole structure equation model. Based on the whole model, the high self-esteem group reduced the path from locus of control to self-esteem; and low self-esteem group reduced the path from locus of control to self-efficacy. Conclusion Locus of control and self-efficacy are not only directly but also indirectly associated with shame by self-esteem, and self-efficacy would be regulated by the level of self-esteem. Key words: Shame; Locus of control; Self-efficacy; Self-esteem