Internal Locus Research Articles

The role of entrepreneurial literacy in mediating the influence between digital literacy and internal locus of control on SME development

The role of entrepreneurial literacy in mediating the influence between digital literacy and internal locus of control on SME development

A Study on the Sense of Parental Competence, Health Locus of Control and Levels of Anxiety, Depression and Somatization in Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Evidence on a Possible Relationship.

Background: Parents of children with chronic conditions face challenges that go beyond basic care and parenting responsibilities. Parents' experiences can be influenced by perceived stress, emotional experiences, feelings of helplessness, low sense of self-efficacy, anxiety and depression, reducing their quality of life. It is therefore not surprising that parents of children with chronic illnesses are more likely to experience stress, anxiety and depression than parents of healthy children. A prevalent chronic condition is type 1 diabetes. Methods: Parents (31 with children with type 1 diabetes diagnosis and 71 with children without chronic illness) were recruited to complete the measures of the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), the Parent Health Locus of Control (PHLOC) and Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC). Results: Significant differences in depression and internal locus of control were found; there was a positive correlation between internal LOC and efficacy in both samples; furthermore, there was a negative correlation between somatization and satisfaction in the experimental group. Conclusions: The ongoing experiences and challenges faced daily make parents perceive themselves as capable. Active involvement in supporting and managing the needs of child with type 1 diabetes could be a source of empowerment for the parent, contributing to the maintenance of their sense of competence. It is important, therefore, to consider the well-being and perception of the parent at a personal level, regardless of the child's situation.

Reintroducing the “Tough Black Man” and Its Socio-Demographic, Race-Related, and Psychological Correlates

The “tough Black man” is expected to be physically strong, emotionally restrictive, resilient, and self-reliant. However, to date, limited research has examined the correlates of endorsing beliefs about the “tough Black man” among Black U.S. American men. To address this gap, this research examines the sociodemographic (i.e., age, sexual identity, income, education, and relationship status), race-related (i.e., racial identity, internalized racism, everyday discrimination, and race stigma consciousness), and psychological (i.e., self-esteem, locus of control, resilience, and depression symptoms) correlates of endorsing “tough Black man” beliefs in an internet-obtained sample of 329 Black U.S. American men (Mean age = 37.22). Multiple regression analysis showed that a more positive racial identity, greater internalized racism, and higher race stigma consciousness—but not everyday discrimination experiences—were associated with greater endorsement of “tough Black man” beliefs. Multivariate regression results showed that greater endorsement of “tough Black man” beliefs was associated with greater resilience, greater internal locus of control, and more depression symptoms, but not self-esteem. Last, exploratory findings showed that endorsing beliefs about the “tough Black man” did not vary by age, income, education, relationship status, or sexual identity. This study has implications for understanding Black masculinities, along with the psycho-social and psychological correlates of internalizing intersecting race and gender stereotypes among Black U.S. American men. Together, our research provides the opportunity to expand knowledge about how internalized stigma processes, beliefs about Black manhood, and the social-structural factors that might explain it, contribute to poor health among Black U.S. American men.

Cognitive, emotional, and social factors promoting psychosocial adaptation: a study of latent profiles in people living in socially vulnerable contexts.

Social adaptation is a multifaceted process that encompasses cognitive, social, and affective factors. Previous research often focused on isolated variables, overlooking their interactions, especially in challenging environments. Our study addresses this by investigating how cognitive (working memory, verbal intelligence, self-regulation), social (affective empathy, family networks, loneliness), and psychological (locus of control, self-esteem, perceived stress) factors interact to influence social adaptation. We analyzed data from 254 adults (55% female) aged 18 to 46 in economically vulnerable households in Santiago, Chile. We used Latent profile analysis (LPA) and machine learning to uncover distinct patters of socioadaptive features and identify the most discriminating features. LPA showed two distinct psychosocial adaptation profiles: one characterized by effective psychosocial adaptation and another by poor psychosocial adaptation. The adaptive profile featured individuals with strong emotional, cognitive, and behavioral self-regulation, an internal locus of control, high self-esteem, lower stress levels, reduced affective empathy, robust family support, and decreased loneliness. Conversely, the poorly adapted profile exhibited the opposite traits. Machine learning pinpointed six key differentiating factors in various adaptation pathways within the same vulnerable context: high self-esteem, cognitive and behavioral self-regulation, low stress levels, higher education, and increased social support. This research carries significant policy implications, highlighting the need to reinforce protective factors and psychological resources, such as self-esteem, self-regulation, and education, to foster effective adaptation in adversity. Additionally, we identified critical risk factors impacting social adaptation in vulnerable populations, advancing our understanding of this intricate phenomenon.

Exploring the factors shaping business students’ environmental concern

Purpose Increasing the need for education for sustainable development in universities requires an understanding of the predictors of students’ environmental concern (EC). In this paper, the authors focus on the EC of business students because of their future responsibility for business operations regarding the exploitation of natural resources. The aim of the study is to examine the predictors of business students’ environmental concern. Design/methodology/approach Based on the Norm Activation Model as the theoretical framework, this study hypothesizes the model of EC with two main predictors: ascription of responsibility for the environment (AOR), driven by locus of control and self-efficacy (LC/SE), and awareness of positive consequences of consumption reduction on the environment (AOC), driven by perceived environmental knowledge. Structural equation modelling was applied to confirm the conceptual model based on the responses of business students from six countries (Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Spain) collected through an online survey. Findings The environmental concern of business students is predicted both by the ascription of responsibility and by awareness of consequences; however, the ascription of responsibility is a stronger predictor of EC. A strong impact was found for internal locus of control and self-efficacy on AOR, as well as a weaker influence of perceived environmental knowledge on AOC. Originality/value Sustainability education dedicated to business students should provide environmental knowledge and strengthen their internal locus of control and self-efficacy in an environmental context.

Personal Resources and Expectations and Health Behaviors Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients—A Multicenter Study

BackgroundThe long-term success of organ transplantation (Tx) depends on the transplant recipient's ability to self-manage symptoms, treatment, lifestyle changes, and psychosocial consequences. Health behavior (HB) determinants include personality traits such as optimism, self-efficacy, and health locus of control. PurposeAssessing the relationship between personal resources and expectations and health behaviors of organ transplant recipients. Material and methodsThe study was conducted between 01/04/2018 and 30/10/2019 at 3 transplant centers in Poland. The study group consisted of 243 Tx recipients of kidney, heart, liver, and lung. The Health Behavior Inventory, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), General Self-Efficacy Scale, Dispositional Optimism Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to collect data. FindingsThe study group had medium levels of dispositional optimism (mean 15) and high levels of self-efficacy (mean 30.18). The MHLC scale was dominated by a belief in the influence of others and an internal locus of control over one's health. The respondents presented a high level of HB (mean 92.09). A positive relationship was found between personal resources (self-efficacy and optimism), MHLC and HB. The presence of depression and anxiety negatively affected personal resources and internal locus of health control and HB in terms of a positive mental attitude. Type of Tx differentiated internal locus of health control and HB. Predictors of HB were dispositional optimism, self-efficacy, influence of others with health locus of control, symptoms of depression, age and time since transplantation-explaining between 6.1% and 14.5% of health behavior categories. ConclusionsTo improve health practices among organ recipients, strengthening their personal resources is recommended. It is necessary to form an internal locus of control for adherence to positive HB.

Resilience to Physical and Emotional Stress

Resilience is the ability of an individual to successfully adapt to stressful and challenging situations. However, resilience encompasses not only the way we react to a specific stressful situation but also how we cope with accompanying physical, psychological, and social challenges. A resilient person is not immune to failures, losses, and the effects of stress. It is the way a person responds after the initial shock that stands out and distinguishes resilient individuals from others. The aim of this study is to examine differences in resilience and quality of life among early and middle-aged participants, as well as the relationship between these variables. We aim to determine the importance of self-efficacy, perseverance, social support, internal locus of control, and coping and adaptation strategies for preserving the physical and mental health of individuals under the impact of stressful life events.

Know Thyself: How Gifted Adolescents’ Knowledge of Giftedness Impacts their Self-Concept

The purpose of the study was to investigate how knowledge of giftedness impacts self-concept of gifted adolescents. Guided by Sirgy’s (1997) Self-Congruity Theory and Shavelson et al.’s (1976) multidimensional hierarchical self-concept model, data collection was undertaken using semi-structured interviews with 11 Australian gifted adolescents and their parents. The collected data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four key themes emerged: (a) expectations from self and others, (b) the source and solutions to challenges, (c) the stigma of giftedness, and (d) parental involvement. In the findings, advanced knowledge of giftedness was associated with a more intense experience of stigma and a more internal locus of control. In addition, understanding giftedness was found to empower the parents of gifted students for more efficacious advocacy and support to cater to the needs of their gifted children.

Compliance with COVID-19 Physical Distancing Mandates in Oman: The Role of Health Literacy and Internal Health Locus of Control.

Research indicates that the effectiveness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) physical distancing mandates is influenced by several individual factors, including health literacy; internal health locus of control (IHLOC), the belief that physical distancing can reduce COVID-19 risk; social norms; self-efficacy; and perceptions of the benefits and barriers associated with distancing. However, further investigation is needed to understand the links between these factors and compliance intentions. This study investigates the mechanism linking these factors with the intentions to comply with physical distancing mandates. A total of 759 participants (Mean age = 29.13, standard deviation [SD] = 8.33; 68.5% women) were surveyed online from September 2020 to October 2020. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (analysis of variance) and structural equation modeling. Health literacy was associated with more perceived benefits (β = .175, p = .001), greater self-efficacy (β = .193, p < .001), and less perceived barriers (β = -.391, p < .001). IHLOC was significantly associated with greater perceived benefits (β = .156, p = .007) and self-efficacy (β = .294, p < .001). Family descriptive norms were significantly associated with fewer perceived barriers (β = -.276, p < .001), while injunctive norms were associated with more perceived benefits (β = .202, p = .001) and higher self-efficacy (β = .299, p < .001). Intentions to adhere to physical distancing mandates were significantly associated with past compliance (β = .427, p < .001) and perceived barriers (β = -.205, p < .001) and benefits (β = .295, p < .001). Post-hoc mediation analyses revealed several small yet significant indirect effects, highlighting the complex pathways shaping adherence intentions. This study identifies how health literacy, IHLOC, social norms, perceived benefits and barriers, and self-efficacy intricately shape intentions to comply with physical distancing mandates. These findings offer valuable implications for public health policy and interventions. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2024;8(2):e69-e78.].

A Study on the Antecedents of Individual Entrepreneurship Orientation of Female Students: An Examination Using Structural Equation Modeling

This study examines the relationship between antecedents of Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation (IEO) in female students. The study uses locus of control, Machiavellianism, resilience, and mindfulness as independent variables. Data for the study was collected using standardized self-rating questionnaires on 854 female students as a unit of analysis. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA and CFA) have been used to examine the reliability and validity of the measurement. Consequently, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was conducted using Python after validating the measurement model. The final model describes the relationship of Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation with the internal dimension of locus of control together with Machiavellianism, resilience, and mindfulness. All mentioned constructs had a significant positive influence on the dependent variable. Simultaneously, mindfulness was found to have a positive effect on resilience and internal locus of control on Machiavellianism. This study has expanded the dynamic research boundary and resonates with the recent developments in IEO conceptualizations. Moreover, this work is one of the few studies conducted exclusively among female students.

How Do Proactive Personality and Internal Locus of Control Play a Role in the Links Between Career Adaptability and Job Search Behaviors of Job Seekers? A Two-Moderator Approach

The present labor market's rapid expansion has pressured individuals to enhance their employability and achieve professional success. Therefore, individuals need to be able to adapt and flourish in the face of unforeseen employment challenges, known as career adaptability. While previous studies have established the benefits of career adaptability in the job search process, there is a lack of understanding regarding the influence of personality characteristics on the relationship between career resources and job search behavior. This study investigates the combined moderating effects of proactive personality and internal locus of control on the link between career adaptability and job search behavior, drawing on career construction theory and planned job search behavior theory. The study sample comprises 308 individuals actively seeking employment in Istanbul and Kocaeli. SPSS AMOS was used for confirmatory factor analysis, and PROCESS Macro was used to examine moderator effects. The findings demonstrated a positive relationship between career adaptability, proactive personality, internal locus of control, and job-seeking behavior. Moreover, as predicted, the combined effect of proactive personality and internal locus of control moderates the relationship between career adaptability and job search behavior, suggesting the relationship is more robust when both traits are high. These findings are essential for researchers in the field of career and job search as well as for practitioners such as career counselors or training and development specialists.

Financial Management Behavior of Millennials

Finance is an important aspect of our daily lives. Managing our finances well can help us achieve our financial goals, face financial challenges, and build a more financially stable future. Financial management in the millennial generation is not yet optimal, there are still many problems faced, including high levels of debt, consumer lifestyle, lack of understanding about investment, changes in lifestyle and consumption patterns. This research study uses qualitative methods. This research study involved 3 informants to provide information related to the study carried out. The findings from this research are that the millennial generation has a diverse understanding of financial management, investment and debt management, the millennial generation shows a combination of internal and external locus of control in financial management and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes in expenditure, income, and the financial habits of the millennial generation. They are more careful in managing their finances, prioritizing important expenses, and strengthening long-term financial preparations.

Predicting job satisfaction: Findings from the British Cohort Study

This study examines factors influencing adult job satisfaction (JS) measured at age 42 years, using a large and nationally representative dataset of 4593 adults (48.5 % females) in the UK. Correlational analysis showed that parental social status measures (at birth), childhood intelligence (at age 10), teenage internal locus of control (at age 16), adult-achieved education (at ages 34) and occupation (at age 38) were all significantly and positively associated with adult job satisfaction at age 42. Structural equation modelling showed that parental social status, teenage locus of control, and adult-achieved education and occupation, all had significant and direct effects on adult job satisfaction, accounting for 19 % of the total variance. The strongest predictor of adult job satisfaction was occupational prestige. Further, significance of mediation tests showed that both adult-achieved education and occupation were mediators as well as predictors, that the effect of childhood intelligence on JS mainly mediated through adult-achieved education and occupation. Implications are considered.

Do demographic and obstetric characteristics affect fetal health locus of control among high-risk pregnancies? A Turkish sample

Objectives Fetal health locus of control has been indicated to effect how mothers approach their health beliefs and health-related decisions. The purpose of this study was to determine the fetal health locus of control (FHLC) level in high-risk pregnancies and to evaluate the factors affecting FHLC in high-risk pregnancies. Materials and methods The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with highrisk pregnant women. A total of 221 participants were included. Results and Discussion It was shown that The Internality Locus of Control was low and The Chance-Based Locus of Control was high in high-risk pregnant women. The current age of women and the age of their first pregnancy had a positively relationship with Powerful Others Locus of Control (FHLC-P). Although FHLC scores of multigravidas were higher than primiparous, no significant difference was found. Besides, there was a significantly higher FHLC-C score in women who did not change their exercise habits during pregnancy (p=0.008). Although the FHLC-I score was higher in women, who made changes in nutrition habits, it was determined that it was not significant. Conclusion The results of fetal health locus of control in high-risk pregnancies will lead to women who have high-risk pregnancies taking responsibility for adapting to the treatment process, taking into account the controls and making lifestyle changes, rather than leaving the situation to fate. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 02 April’24 Page : 438-446

Happiness and its relationship with locus of control and types of thinking among university students expected to graduate

The current research aims to identify happiness and its relationship with the locus of control and types of thinking in terms of social and economic variables among Zakho university students expected to graduate. The sample of the research consists of (638) students selected randomly from the University. For this purpose, the researcher used four scales, the scale of happiness feeling consists of (33) items and the scale for the measurement of locus of control consists (25) items, and two scales for measuring two types of thinking: inductive and deductive thinking consist of (17) items, after extracted psychometric properties, and for the purpose of data collection appropriated statistical methods were used. The results of the study indicated that participants have happiness in general and own internal locus of control, and use both inductive and deductive thinking, and also found that there are statistically significant differences according to variables: sex, specialization, marital status, and the family's economic level, in happiness and locus of control and types of thinking among students, and also found that there is no statistically significant differences according to the other variables with the happiness among university students expected to graduate and its relationship with their locus of control and types of thinking.

Locus of Control Internal vs External: The Role in the Relationship between Work-Family Conflict and Job Stress

This study aims to investigate the role of personality factor, locus of control, as a moderator in the relationship between work-family conflict and stress. It is hypothesized that an internal locus of control may diminish the impact of work-family conflict on job stress. The research sample consisted of 110 employees from the Ministry of Cooperative and SMEs. Primary data were collected by distributing questionnaires to selected respondents. The practical implications of this study can provide valuable insights to the leadership at the Ministry of Cooperative and SMEs regarding the impact of work-family conflict on employees' stress levels, thus offering considerations to alleviate this influence.

Resilience of COVID-19 survivors: The role of internal locus of control and social support

This study examines the role of internal locus of control and social support in the resilience of COVID-19 survivors. Being exposed to COVID-19 has made the survivors psychologically and socially worse. Survivors require a certain readiness to rise. Their capability to adapt to COVID-19 should be gained once they can determine their own attributions to COVID-19 exposure and social support. This study aimed to examine the relationship between internal locus of control and social support for the resilience of COVID-19 survivors. This study involved 100 survivors of COVID-19 with a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using the scale of resilience, internal locus of control, and social support constructed under Likert’s model. They were distributed via Google Forms on social media. This study found that 1) there is a relationship between internal locus of control and social support and the resilience of COVID-19 survivors; 2) there is a positive relationship between internal locus of control and the resilience of COVID-19 survivors; and 3) there is a relationship between social support and the resilience of COVID-19 survivors. Therefore, survivors’ ability to control any condition while exposed to COVID-19 and social support can accelerate their resilience. Meanwhile, the internal locus of control plays a greater role than that of social support. This study is expected to be a scientific basis in psychology for counselling clients of COVID-19 survivors.

A STUDY OF SELF-ESTEEM, ACADEMIC SELF-CONCEPT, AND LOCUS OF CONTROL AMONG BEHAVIORAL PROBLEM AND NON-BEHAVIORAL PROBLEM CHILDREN

OBJECTIVE: The aim of current study was to identify and compare the children with behavioral problems and without behavioral problems on self-esteem, academic self-concept, and locus of control. METHOD: For this study, a cross sectional research design was used, for data collection purposive sampling technique was applied. Out of 300 children a sample of 34 children with behavioral problems (that lies above 67th percentile) and a matched comparative group of 34 children (fall below 33 percentile children) were selected. The age range of sample was 11-13 years and from Wah Cantt data was collected. A booklet consisted of consent form, demographic sheet, children behavioral problem checklist; self-esteem scale, academic self-concept, and locus of control scales were administered. RESULTS: Correlational analysis indicated that there was significant relationship between all the study variables. Children with behavioral problems exhibited lower level of self-esteem (M=39.92; SD=16.4) than non-behavioral problem children (M=47.57; SD=9.52). On academic self-concept, children with behavioral problems exhibited lower mean scores (M=32.9; SD=26.3) as compared to children having non-behavioral problems (M=44.6; SD=15.8). Furthermore, results also highlighted that non-problematic children exhibit less external locus of control (M=8.35; SD=2.51) as compared to problematic children (M=10.70; SD=3.36). CONCLUSION: This study highlighted that SE, ASC and LOC are related process children behavioral problems. Therefore, in order to handle such children, teachers and school counselor should develop such intervention strategies that promote their self-esteem, academic self-concept and internal locus of control. Keywords: self-esteem, Locus of control, Behavioral problems, academic self-esteem.

Religion and Entrepreneurial Exits: Divine Attributions and Eternal Time-frames

This conceptual study, drawing upon the literature on causal attributions and time perspectives, explores how religion may influence entrepreneurs' decisions to exit ventures. Religious beliefs and principles will likely shift entrepreneurs' (a) causal attributions of success and failure from internal or external loci to a third locus of causality, i. e., the divine, and (b) temporal depths from weeks, months, or years to eternity. Such shifts may, in turn, influence entrepreneurial exits through the nonmarket logic of religion, with contemplative practices acting as the underlying mechanism. Using the context of Jainism, a minority religion – originating in India – characterized by self-employed adherents and a seeming paradox between austerity and ostentation, this study develops propositions that relate religion to business exits.

Inspirational Book Reading: The Changes in Self-Efficacy and Locus of Control in Minority Students: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract The literature on college attrition rates has revealed that self-efficacy and locus of control play a critical role in academic performance and retention. However, despite the importance of students’ attitudes in academic performance, there have been few studies focused on how to develop students’ self-efficacy and internal locus of control. We examined the impact of motivational book reading on the promotion of self-efficacy and locus of control by leveraging a mixed method study, analyzing quantitative and qualitative data. One hundred diverse, business students participated in the research, where they read one motivational book and wrote essays to reflect their learning and took surveys that measured the quantitative variables before and after reading the book. The analysis revealed that motivational book reading significantly increased self-efficacy and locus of control of the participants. The qualitative analysis revealed that students expressed improvement in self-efficacy and internal locus of control after reading the book. The limitations, practical implications, and future research implications are discussed in this paper.