Meta-analytic techniques were used to review studies of the relation between locus of control and depression. Contrary to what some authors have claimed, we found that locus of control orientation and degree of depression were significantly related, that the relation was moderately strong, and that it was consistent across studies. Greater externality was associated with greater depression. Studies that included separate subscales for locus of control for positive and negative outcomes produced similar results. Seven potential mediators of the locus of control-depression relation were investigated, with only two producing significant results. Effect sizes varied as a function of the particular locus of control and depression scales used in studies. The implications of the findings are discussed, with special attention given to the "depressive paradox" hypothesis (Abramson & Sackeim, 1977) and to Lament's (1972aLament's ( , 1972b) methodological critique of the locus of control-depression relation.

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