Eliminating Self-Defeating Behaviors and Change in Locus of Control

Abstract

This study investigated changes in locus of control occurring among participants in a workshop designed to eliminate self-defeating behaviors. Experimental (n = 18) and control (n = 18) groups were composed of male and female university students. An analysis of covariance indicated that the treatment group moved significantly more than the control group (p less than .001) on the Rotter I-E Scale, and movement was in the anticipated direction, toward greater internal control. The increased internal control was maintained in a follow-up administration of the I-E Scale four months later. It was concluded that the workshop brought relatively stable changes toward greater perceived internal control. Implications were discussed.

Japanese American reactions to World War II incarceration redress: Just world belief, locus of control, and coping.

“…In addition, BJW was found to be incrementally predictive of positive psychological outcomes when LOC was accounted for (Sutton & Douglas, 2005). BJW may be a stronger predictor because it is an earlier-developed and relatively stable disposition (Dalbert, 2009; Furnham, 2003), whereas LOC is a generalized tendency more subject to shifts in circumstance (Glass & Singer, 1972; Lefcourt, 1982; Parks, Becker, Chamberlain, & Crandell, 1975). We tested the hypothesis that BJW would be stronger than LOC in predicting reactions to redress.…”

The effects of an entrepreneurship programme on Need for Achievement and Locus of Control of reinforcement

“…Results by Parks et al (1975) indicate that there could be a lasting effect in the change of Locus of Control, and it seems to be generally accepted that motives are relatively stable over time (McClelland,1990). If the increase in n Achievement and internal Locus of Control in the experimental group are manifested in new businesses, or other entrepreneurial activities, these would be in line with the purpose of the entrepreneurship programme.…”

Instructionally-Based Training in Self-Control: Behavior-Specific and Generalized Outcomes Resulting from Student-Implemented Self-Modification Projects

“…In view of the selfdirected, performance-based aspects of SM, it would seem reasonable to hypothesize that successful self-control experiences may provide the information necessary to enhance student expectations of success and strengthen beliefs in internal causation. Although shifts toward internality have been demonstrated in structured programs with a quasibehavioral focus (Dua, 1970;Parks, Becker, Chamberlain, & Crandell, 1975), neitherof these hypotheses has beentested with participants in instructionally-based SM programs.…”