Higher External Locus Of Control Research Articles

Locus of control and teacher ratings of behavior problems in preschoolers.

The present study investigated the relationship between internal-external control and behavior adjustment in 25 preschool boys and girls. Ratings were completed by the preschool teachers on 11 specific indices of behavior adjustment as observed in school. Results were nonsupportive and, in fact, were contrary to the general hypothesis that high external locus of control would be positively related to greater behavior adjustment problems, as has been found with some groups of older children and adults. Results revealed the need for more longitudinal research investigating the developmental changes of such relationships. The usefulness of employing more specific behavior problem indices rather than a general measure of adjustment-maladjustment was also demonstrated.

Motive to avoid success: A profile

In a series of studies, comparisons were made between the self-descriptions of college women whose stories contained motive-to-avoid-success imagery with women whose stories did not contain motive-to-avoid-success imagery. Women exhibiting the motive to avoid success were generally career oriented but aspired to traditional female occupations and were less concerned with making a major contribution to their field. Women not exhibiting motive to avoid success were more likely to choose atraditional female occupations, and their mothers were more likely to be employed in atraditional female occupations. With regard to personality variables, women exhibiting the motive to avoid success reported lower expression of affection, lower self-concept with close associates, higher self-criticism, and higher external locus of control. In general, ambivalence characterized their view of themselves, their relationships with others, and their professional goals. In addition, two sets of verbal cues that evoked equivalent degrees of motive-to-avoid-success imagery were developed.