Locus Of Control Scores Research Articles

The Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Psychological Variables in Patients With Schizophrenia.

Depressive symptoms are common in schizophrenia and can be seen at any stage of the disease. Although various models have been proposed to explain the development of depression in schizophrenia, studies investigating related psychological factors are scarce and the studies that have been done usually focus on only a small number of possible factors. The goal of this study was to investigate the predictability of some psychological factors on depression in patients with schizophrenia. For this purpose, patients with high and low depression scores were compared. Two groups of individuals with schizophrenia, with (n=29) and without (n=31) depression, as determined by scores on the Calgary Depression Scale in Schizophrenia, were compared using a sociodemographic data form, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Rotter Internal-External Locus 2024 of Control Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Stress Coping Styles Scale. No differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, social support scores, and coping styles. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups on the PANSS positive, negative, and general psychopathology subscales, in PANSS total scores, in anxiety scores, and in locus of control scores. This study showed that high levels of negative, positive, and general psychopathological symptoms, external locus of control, and high anxiety scores may be predictive of depression in individuals with schizophrenia. Studies that examine psychological factors in larger patient groups may provide the opportunity to detect and target these factors earlier in the course of schizophrenia, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.

1 Associations of Locus of Control and Memory Self-Awareness in Older Adults with and without MCI

Objective:While loss of insight into one’s cognitive impairment (anosognosia) is a feature in Alzheimer’s disease dementia, less is known about memory self-awareness in cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or factors that may impact self-awareness. Locus of control, specifically external locus of control, has been linked to worse cognitive/health outcomes, though little work has examined locus of control as it relates to self-awareness of memory functioning or across cognitive impairment status. Therefore, we examined associations between locus of control and memory self-awareness and whether MCI status impacted these associations.Participants and Methods:Participants from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study (mean age=73.51; 76% women; 26% Black/African American) were classified as CU (n=2177) or MCI (amnestic n=313; non-amnestic n=170) using Neuropsychological Criteria. A memory composite score measured objective memory performance and the Memory Functioning Questionnaire measured subjective memory. Memory self-awareness was defined as objective memory minus subjective memory, with positive values indicating overreporting of memory difficulties relative to actual performance (hypernosognosia) and negative values indicating underreporting (hyponosognosia). Internal (i.e., personal skills/attributes dictate life events) and external (i.e., environment/others dictate life events) locus of control scores came from the Personality in Intellectual Aging Contexts Inventory. General linear models, adjusting for age, education, sex/gender, depressive symptoms, general health, and vocabulary examined the effects of internal and external locus of control on memory self-awareness and whether MCI status moderated these associations.Results:Amnestic and non-amnestic MCI participants reported lower internal and higher external locus of control than CU participants. There was a main effect of MCI status on memory self-awareness such that amnestic MCI participants showed the greatest degree of hyponosognosia/underreporting, followed by non-amnestic MCI, and CU participants slightly overreported their memory difficulties. While, on average, participants were fairly accurate at reporting their degree of memory difficulty, internal locus of control was negatively associated with self-awareness such that higher internal locus of control was associated with greater underreporting (ß=-.127, 95% CI [-.164, -.089], p<.001). MCI status did not moderate this association. External locus of control was positively associated with self-awareness such that higher external locus of control was associated with greater hypernosonosia/overreporting (ß=.259, 95% CI [.218, .300], p<.001). Relative to CU, amnestic, but not non-amnestic, MCI showed a stronger association between external locus of control and memory self-awareness. Specifically, higher external locus of control was associated with less underreporting of cognitive difficulties in amnestic MCI (ß=.107, 95% CI [.006, .208], p=.038).Conclusions:In CU participants, higher external locus of control was associated with greater hypernosognosia/overreporting. In amnestic MCI, the lower external locus of control associations with greater underreporting of objective cognitive difficulties suggests that perhaps reduced insight in some people with MCI may result in not realizing the need for external supports, and therefore not asking for help from others. Alternatively, in amnestic participants with greater external locus of control, perhaps the environmental cues/feedback translate to greater accuracy in their memory self-perceptions. Longitudinal analyses are needed to determine how memory self-awareness is related to future cognitive declines.

Depression and treatment with anti-calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) (ligand or receptor) antibodies for migraine.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of anti-calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) (ligand or receptor) antibodies on depressive symptoms in subjects with migraine and to determine whether depressive symptoms predict treatment response. Patients with migraine treated with erenumab and fremanezumab at the Leiden Headache Centre completed daily E-headache diaries. A control group was included. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) questionnaires at baseline (T0) and after 3 months (T1). First, the effect of treatment on the reduction in HADS-D and CES-D scores was assessed, with reduction in depression scores as the dependent variable and reduction in monthly migraine days (MMD) and treatment with anti-CGRP medication as independent variables. Second, depression as a predictor of treatment response was investigated, using the absolute reduction in MMD as a dependent variable and age, gender, MMD, active depression, impact, stress and locus of control scores as independent variables. In total, n = 108 patients were treated with erenumab, n = 90 with fremanezumab and n = 68 were without active treatment. Treatment with anti-CGRP medication was positively associated with a reduction in the HADS-D (β = 1.65, p = 0.01) compared to control, independent of MMD reduction. However, the same effect was not found for the CES-D (β = 2.15, p = 0.21). Active depression predicted poorer response to erenumab (p = 0.02) but not to fremanezumab (p = 0.09). Anti-CGRP (ligand or receptor) monoclonals lead to improvement of depressive symptoms in individuals with migraine, independent of migraine reduction. Depression may predict treatment response to erenumab but not to fremanezumab.

The relationship between locus of control and pre-competitive anxiety in highly trained soccer players.

Previous studies have not considered the potential association between locus of control and precompetitive anxiety in elite soccer players. Accordingly, this cross-sectional study examined The prediction of locus of control on precompetitive anxiety in highly trained cadet soccer players. Based on a literature review, our research question was: can the locus of control be considered as an explanatory element of precompetitive anxiety? Thirty-five Tunisian highly trained soccer players licensed from two regional soccer clubs aged between 15 and 16 years participated in the resent study. All participants were evaluated using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) and the Internal-External Locus of Control Scale. The relationship between measures of anxiety, self-confidence and the locus of control scores were analyzed using Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient. Further, multiple linear stepwise multiple regression models were calculated to determine the most robust predictors of the locus of control. Based on our findings, the regression analysis explains up to 21.3% of the total variation of our independent variable (locus of control) and explains only 21.3% of the variability of our dependent variable somatic anxiety. Furthermore, locus of control explains 61.9% of the variability in self-confidence. The locus of control can be used for the detection and selection of young athletic talent to identify individuals with the best psychological aptitude to cope with psychological problems related to sports performance. Preparing highly trained soccer players on how to deal with their anxiety could prevent them from becoming overwhelmed when they feel powerless to change their situation during competition.

Long-Term Influence of Locus of Control and Quality of Life on Metabolic Profile in Elderly Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: The Locus of Control (LOC) is a mental disposition indicating the individuals’ belief that disease-related outcomes are under their own control (Internal), dependent on others (External), or dependent on chance (Chance). Quality of Life (QoL) and LOC may have complex effects on self-care activities and diabetes management in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive role of LOC and QoL scores on metabolic control in elderly T2D outpatients, secondly evaluating potential gender differences. Methods: An extensive set of questionnaires was administered to a group of consecutive elderly T2D outpatients on oral glucose-lowering drugs attending a single diabetes center. Personal and clinical variables were analyzed at baseline (between 1 February and 31 March 2015) and after 6 years of follow-up. Results: At baseline, study participants showed an overall good metabolic control. Diabetes Specific Quality of Life (DSQoL) scores indicated an overall good QoL in both genders, with a higher DSQoL satisfaction score in women. Both genders presented higher scores in the LOC-Internal domain, with men reaching higher scores in the LOC-External domain than women. At the 6-years follow-up, subjects with baseline higher LOC-External score presented better metabolic outcome. In the regression analysis, LOC-External score was an independent predictor of good metabolic control maintenance, but this result was only statistically significant in men. Conclusions: LOC scores may influence long-term glycemic control in elderly T2D patients on oral glucose-lowering drugs.

Impact of Computer Aid Instructions on Locus of Control And Students’ Performance In Mensuration Of SSS One Students In Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

The study investigated the affects of Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) on students’ performance and locus of control in learning geometry of SSS one students. The objectives of the study were: To investigate the effect of CAI on students’ performance in geometry when compared with conventional method (CM), to establish gender difference in performance using CAI, to assess students’ locus of control in the learning when taught using CAI and CM. The study adopted quasi experimental design. The study has population of 4982 students, consisting of 2678 males and 2304 females. The sample of the study consisted of 67 male and 62 female. There are 65 students in the experimental and 64 students in the control groups respectively. Four instruments were used for data collection; Student’s Locus of Control, pre-test, post-test, lesson plan based on computer aid instruction and lesson plan based on conventional method. Student’s Locus of Control questionnaire. The participants were taught volumes of cylinder and cone for six weeks. The Cronbach’s Alpha of the tests was estimated to be 0.720 and 0.801 respectively. The differences between the groups means was analyzed using t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test, at ? = 0.05. The study revealed that, the students taught geometry with CAI obtained higher geometry scores and higher locus of control scores than the students taught with CM. The study further revealed that there were no gender differences in CAI group. It was recommended that mathematics teachers should use CAI and train students to develop internal locus of control.

Relationship of Locus of Control with Academic Stress Student of SMA Negeri 7 Padang

School can be a source of problems that ultimately cause stress to students. This problem arises due to the form of student difficulties in following and receiving lessons that lead to academic stress. The factors that influence academic stress are personality characteristics, one of which is locus of control. For this reason, this study aims to describe student academic stress, locus of control, and how the relationship between locus of control and student academic stress. This type of research is descriptive correlational with a population of 1,085 students. Sampling 292 students using the Slovin formula. The sampling technique used was stratified random sampling. The data collection instrument was a student academic stress questionnaire using a Likert scale and a locus of control inventory using standard techniques that had been adopted from Dr. Marjohan M.Pd., Kons. The data were processed using descriptive statistical analysis techniques and to test the data relationships were analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment formula with the program Statical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 20.0. The results of this study reveal that: (1) locus of control has an internal locus of control tendency, (2) students' academic stress is in the moderate category, (3) there is a significant positive relationship between locus of control and academic stress of students at SMA Negeri 7 Padang. with rtabel of 0.113 and rcount of 0.224 with a significant level of 0.000. So the better or the lower the student's locus of control score, the lower the academic stress. Based on the findings of this study, it is expected that the counseling teacher or counselor can provide assistance in the form of counseling guidance services.

Relationship Between Parental Locus of Control and Childhood Injury.

Although pediatricians routinely counsel parents about preventing childhood injuries, we know little about parents' locus of control (LOC) in regards to preventing their children from being injured. We performed an observational analysis of sociodemographic differences in LOC for injury prevention, as measured by four items adapted from the Parental Health Beliefs Scales, in English- and Spanish-speaking parents of infants participating in the treatment arm of an obesity prevention study. First, we examined associations of parental LOC for injury prevention at the time their children were 2months old with parents' age, race/ethnicity, income, and education. Next, we analyzed time trends for repeated LOC measures when the children were 2, 6, 9, 12, and 24months old. Last, we examined the association between injury-related LOC items and children's injury (yes/no) at each time point. Of 452 parents, those with lower incomes had both lower internal and higher external LOC. Lower educational achievement was associated with higher external LOC. Both internal and external LOC scores decreased over time. Injuries were more common in children whose parents endorsed low internal and high external LOC. Future studies should examine whether primary care-based interventions can increase parents' sense of control over their children's safety and whether that, in turn, is associated with lower injury rates.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT01040897.

The Association Between Anxiety, Depression, and Locus of Control With Patient Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundWe aimed to determine how preoperative anxiety, depression, and locus of control (LoC) might predict patient outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MethodsPatients undergoing TKA were prospectively recruited over an 18-month period. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess TKA outcomes. The Short Form-12, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score, and LoC surveys were completed by the patients to assess their psychosocial state. These scores were collected preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 18 weeks, and 1 year postoperation. ResultsThe final cohort consisted of 136 patients. Greater preoperative depression (P = .004) and anxiety (P = .001) scores were correlated with worse total WOMAC score at 6 weeks and 18 weeks postoperatively, respectively. A poorer preoperative Short Form-12 mental score was also correlated with a worse total WOMAC score at 6 weeks postoperatively (P = .007). Greater tendency toward an internal LoC preoperatively was correlated with better WOMAC pain (P < .001) and function (P = .003) scores at 18 weeks postoperatively. However, there was no correlation between preoperative external LoC and postoperative WOMAC score. There was also no correlation between any of the preoperative psychosocial measures and WOMAC score at 1 year postoperatively. ConclusionWe identified a group of patients whose psychosocial markers predicted them to have worse outcomes in the short to medium term even though they normalized to satisfactory outcomes at 1 year postoperatively. Identifying this group could allow for targeted intervention with an adjustment of expectations and thus more effective recovery.

Stability of, and Associations Between, Parent and Child Locus of Control Expectancies.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the stability of locus of control (LOC) scores over time using data gathered from tests constructed to be consistent with Rotter’s definition of LOC. We compared LOC scores of parents (measured prior to the birth of the index child and at 6 and 18 years later) and their offspring (at ages 8 and 16) to explore how stable adult and child LOC was over time and to see how parental LOC was associated with the LOC of the child aged 8 and again at 16. Locus of control was measured using modified versions of adult (ANSIE, Nowicki and Duke, 1974) and child (CNSIE, Nowicki and Strickland, 1973) LOC scales, administered to participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children in the United Kingdom. We predicted that: (1) adult scores would be more stable than children’s and (2) parents’ and children’s LOC scores would be related to one another. Analyses of the data found that individual’s LOC scores were significantly associated over time, with adult scores (r ∼ 0.50) more highly correlated than children’s (r ∼ 0.20). Correlations suggest more stability for adults than children, but also indicate the occurrence of substantial change across time. Although statistically significant, correlations between family members were small at both childhood and adolescent time points. Additional analyses suggested that mother and father LOC scores were more highly correlated with opposite rather than with same sex children, but again though significant the coefficients were small. We also analyzed the binary outcomes of externality to assess parental contributions to externality in the 8 and 16-year-old children and found correlations were significant, but small. Possible explanations are offered for why the associations between parent and child LOC were not higher. We concluded that researchers need to focus more on clarifying how children’s LOC is acquired.

Does locus of control matter for achievement of high school students with disabilities? Evidence from Special Education Elementary Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the association of locus of control (LOC) with reading and mathematics achievement of high school students with disabilities using data from the Special Education Elementary Longitudinal Study (SEELS). Data used in analysis for the current study included achievement and self-concepts measures from students with learning disability (n = 352), students with speech impairment (n = 112) and students with emotional disturbance (n = 220). Through hierarchical linear regression the authors evaluated LOC and its influence on reading and math achievement. Two reading measures (i.e. oral reading fluency, passage comprehension) and two math measures (i.e. calculation, applied problems) were examined, as well as the impacts of demographic factors (i.e. age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status). Results showed that (a) negative correlations between LOC scale scores and achievement were identified for all three subgroups; (b) the correlation coefficients between LOC and achievement scores were similar across three subgroups; (c) the extent to which LOC and/or demographic factors influenced on achievement varied according to reading and math task, as well as disability category. Based on these findings, the role of LOC in improving academic achievement of students with disabilities and the implications to practise and future research were discussed.

Perbedaan Locus Of Control Ditinjau dari Etnis

In behaving towards what happens in him, man will be oriented in two directions, there are individuals who believe that what happens to him is the result of his own efforts, on the contrary there are individuals who believe that the events that occur are influences from outside the self. This belief is called the locus of control. Each individual has a difference in the locus of control. This difference is influenced by several factors, one of which is ethnicity. This study aims to describe the locus of control of individuals belonging to the ethnic Kerinci, Java and Minang, and reveal differences in the locus of control of the three ethnic groups. This research uses quantitative approach with descriptive and comparative method. The sampling technique used is simple random side with total number 230 students. The instrument used is Internal Rotters inventory -External Locus of Control (I-E Scale). Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and one way anova. The findings of this study include: 1) locus of control of ethnic Javanese students tend to external, while ethnic Kerinci and Minang reside in internal. However, the third locus of control score is not far behind the median locus of control; and 2) there are differences in locus of control of students who have ethnic Kerinci, Java and Minang. The researcher suggested to the Counselor Teacher / Counselor to always pay attention deeply and sensitively to the condition of the foster students, including the locus of control aspect. These efforts can be made by applying several counseling services with certain approaches that are theoretically proven effective in forming an internal locus of control. Parents should also provide understanding to the children about all the events that happen to him and how to react. Subsequently to other researchers, the results of this research need to be addressed and followed up by adding samples and considering some other characteristics, such as gender, age, social demography, economic and family status, religion, and others.

The antecedents of women's external locus of control: Associations with characteristics of their parents and their early childhood.

Locus of control (LOC) measures individuals’ expectancies regarding their ability to affect what happens to them based on how they behave. The more they believe their behaviour has something to do with what happens to them the more internal they are. In contrast the more they perceive that what happens to them is beyond their control and determined by luck, fate, chance or powerful others the more external they are. Copious research findings suggest that external LOC (ELOC) is associated with many adverse personal, social, academic and health outcomes. In spite of its importance in so many areas of human behaviour relatively little is known about the features of the early background of individuals that contributes to these expectancies. This is the first in a number of studies that will suggest possible antecedents and consequences of having a high ELOC.The study takes advantage of the data collected in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), which started by studying pregnancies in 1991–1992 of residents in an area of south-west England. Over 12000 of the women who enrolled during pregnancy completed a set of questions in mid-pregnancy from which an LOC score was computed. ELOC was defined as a score greater than the median. The relationships with characteristics of the women’s parents and her early childhood (<6 years) are considered first as unadjusted odds ratios and then as adjusted after analysis using hierarchical sets of stepwise logistic regressions. The relative contributions to the women’s ELOC was measured using a goodness-of-fit (GOF) measure.The analyses demonstrated the independent importance of maternal and paternal backgrounds as well as features of her early childhood (<6 years). The final model identified nine independent features (each with P < 0.0001): year of birth of her mother, maternal and paternal education levels, father smoked, mother smoked when pregnant, year of birth of study woman, the number of older siblings she had, whether her father was absent during this period, and whether she spent her childhood in the study area.In conclusion, the woman’s LOC appears to be independently influenced by a number of characteristics which may give clues as to possible mechanisms—and how internality may be supported in the future. Subsequent papers will assess both whether features of later childhood influence the woman’s LOC and whether the LOC of men in the study have similar antecedents.

Are there gender differences in locus of control specific to alcohol dependence?

To investigate gender differences in locus of control in an alcohol-dependent population. Locus of control helps to explain behaviour in terms of internal (the individual is responsible) or external (outside forces, such as significant other people or chance, are responsible) elements. Past research on gender differences in locus of control in relation to alcohol dependence has shown mixed results. There is a need then to examine gender and locus of control in relation to alcohol dependence to ascertain the veracity of any locus of control differences as a function of gender. The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control form-C was administered to clients from alcohol dependence treatment centres in the West of Scotland. Independent t-tests were carried out to assess gender differences in alcohol dependence severity and internal/external aspects of locus of control. One hundred and eighty-eight (53% females) participants were recruited from a variety of alcohol dependence treatment centres. The majority of participants (72%) came from Alcoholics Anonymous groups. Women revealed a greater internal locus of control compared with men. Women also had a greater 'significant others' locus of control score than men. Men were more reliant on 'chance' and 'doctors' than women. All these trends were not, however, statistically significant. Gender differences in relation to locus of control and alcohol dependence from past studies are ambiguous. This study also found no clear statistically significant differences in locus of control orientation as a function of gender. This article helps nurses to contextualise health behaviours as a result of internal or external forces. It also helps nursing staff to better understand alcohol dependence treatment in relation to self-efficacy and control. Moreover, it highlights an important concept in health education theory.

Health locus of control in patients undergoing coronary artery surgery - changes and associated outcomes: a seven-year cohort study.

Health locus of control is a measure of an individual's beliefs in factors that are thought to determine health experiences. Scores are generated and form a graduated linear scale from external to internal control, with respect to their views on health causality. Health locus of control has been considered to be a relatively stable entity. However, it is not clear if this status changes in the advent of serious health challenges, such as coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The aim of this study is to explore the variability of health locus of control and its association with postoperative health in this context. In a longitudinal cohort study of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, a purposive sample ( n=215) were recruited from the waiting list and followed up postoperatively, at approximately one year and seven years later. Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery demonstrated marked fluctuations in health locus of control in their peri-operative and rehabilitative phases. Mean health locus of control became more external (often associated with poorer outcomes) peri-operatively, and more internal (generally associated with better health outcomes) in the rehabilitative period. Health locus of control scores were shown to be changeable during a major health care intervention, with possible consequences for patient outcomes and care needs. The significant health belief upheaval demonstrated in this cohort should be considered in assessing patients preoperatively, and managed as part of the patients' clinical journey by both acute and rehabilitation staff. It is likely to have particular importance in individualised assessment and management of future prevention advice for patients.

Locus of control among university students with urban and rural background

Background Locus of control (LOC), a psychological theory developed by Julian Rotter (1966), refers to the extent to which an individual believes in controlling the events affecting them. The effect of environment and sex on LOC belief differs from country to country.Aim The aim of the present study was to evaluate LOC belief in a population of university students and the impact of urban versus rural background and sex.Participants and methods Data were collected from a cross-sectional study among university students in Egypt. Two scales were used to measure LOC belief. The first is the Rotter Internal–External Locus of Control (I–E LOC) to measure belief in LOC according to general life. The second is the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale with five dimensions: Internal Health Locus of Control, Doctor Health Locus of Control, Powerful Other Health Locus of Control, Chance Health Locus of Control, and God Health Locus of Control to measure belief in LOC according to health.Results Urban population had a significantly higher Doctor Health Locus of Control (mean±SD=15.61±1.91) compared with rural population (mean±SD=14.16±3.38). Rural population had a higher I–E LOC score (mean±SD=8.37±3.24) compared with urban population (mean±SD=6.75±4.14). Women had a significantly higher Powerful Other Health Locus of Control (mean±SD=12.8±3.55) compared with men (mean±SD=10.27±2.84). Women had a significantly higher I–E LOC (high external LOC) (mean±SD=9.6±3.09) compared with men (mean±SD=10.6.33±4.42).Conclusion The findings show that urban population has higher belief in doctor as a controller of health compared with the rural one. Rural population has more external LOC belief in general life compared with the urban population. Women have more external LOC in general life compared with men. Women have higher belief in powerful others as a controller of their life compared with men.

Exploring the role of locus of control in sex offender treatment

This study aims to investigate the concept of Locus of Control (LoC) and its relationship to risk, personality disorder and treatment outcome in sexual offenders. The sample was taken from referrals to a community treatment service for sexual offenders in south-east London. One hundred and eighty-five men completed a measure of LoC at the time of assessment, of whom 74 entered the treatment programme and 39 completed a post-treatment LoC measure. At assessment, child molesters and non-contact offenders had a significantly more external LoC than rapists, and LoC was also significantly associated with cluster A and C personality disorder traits, as well as the presence of traits in two or more personality disorder clusters. LoC was not associated with risk measures or compliance with treatment. Once outliers were removed, a significant change was seen in post-treatment LoC scores, with most change occurring in an increasingly internal direction.

Correlation between self-esteem and stress response in Chinese college students: The mediating role of the need for social approval

Interpersonal theories of self-esteem assume that the importance that others place on oneself contributes to individual levels of self-esteem. Recent studies further suggest a possible link between self-esteem and the endocrine stress response, mediated through individual levels of locus of control, without taking levels of social approval into account. The present set of studies aimed to explore the correlation between self-esteem and stress response in Chinese students, and simultaneously take into account the possible mediating role of internal locus of control and need for social approval. In study one, twenty-eight college students’ heart rates and saliva samples were collected while they underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Their self-esteem scores were assessed using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Results showed a positive correlation between self-esteem and their endocrine stress responses to the TSST. In study two, forty-one college students’ heart rates were collected while they underwent the TSST. Their locus of control scores were assessed by the Internality, Powerful Others, and Chance Scale, and their social approval scores were assessed by the Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between self-esteem and heart rate changes during the TSST, with a mediating role of the need for social approval in the association between self-esteem and heart rate stress responses. We speculate that cultural differences may moderate the association between self-esteem and stress response.

Locus of control and sleep in evolutionary perspective.

We examined the relationship between locus of control and sleep among firefighters using predictions driven by life history theory. Firefighters (n=115, males, aged 22-54) completed the Nowicki and Duke Locus of Control (LOC) questionnaire. Average minutes slept and sleep debt (number of nights on shift) were provided via selfreport. Statistical output supported the underlying theoretical relationship between LOC and life history strategy. Further results indicate a quadratic effect on LOC such that sleeping very little or sleeping a lot was associated with more external LOC scores when controlling for station-specific emergency response call volume and participant current health status. Finally, as sleep loss accumulates due to increasing nights on shift, LOC externality significantly increases. This data supports the notion that sleep acquisition may pose a mediating role in personality psychology in ways predicted by life history and evolutionary ecological theories.

An evaluation of the ‘Think First’ program

The Think First program was implemented in five NSW correctional centres between 2003 and 2007. This study is a longitudinal evaluation of Think First using the pre- and post-test scores of four questionnaire measures (the Social Problem Solving Inventory – Revised; Barratt Impulsivity Scale, version 11; Locus of Control Behaviour; and the Crime PICS, version II), in a sample of 135 male participants. Significant change in a pro-social direction was found on the Locus of Control Behaviour, all of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale and Crime PICS II subscales and two of the Social Problem Solving Inventory – Revised subscales. Completion of Think First improved impulsivity levels, criminal thinking styles and some aspects of social problem solving ability. There appeared to be particularly positive effects on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Locus of Control scores post-program.