The utility of locus of control for predicting adolescent substance use

Abstract

Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the utility of locus of control (LOC) for predicting adolescent substance use. As part of a larger three-wave cohort-sequential study (1983-1989), 155 secondary school-based adolescents completed questionnaires on substance use, personality characteristics, family/peer influences, and health behaviors. Latent variable indicators were developed from the Nowicki-Strickland Personal Reaction Survey and substance use survey items. LOC was a weak predictor of substance use. In two instances were relationships significant: (a) 7th grade LOC predicted 11th grade alcohol use; and, (b) 9th grade LOC correlated with 11th grade cannabis use. Small samples precluded analysis of gender and social class effects. SEM with panel data offers a methodological approach for examining the explanatory capability of LOC.

Risk factors associated with drug use: the importance of ‘risk environment’

“…Based largely on standardized diagnostic instruments, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) (Crome, 1999), the risk factors identified are nonetheless variously defined and measured, and produce a contradictory depiction of individual factors associated with drug use (however defined). The concept of 'locus of control', for example, commonly features as a risk or protective factor (Bearinger & Blum, 1997). However, findings on whether, and how, individuals perceive events as an outcome of internal and external control factors, and whether or not individuals exhibit high or low self-control, are extremely inconsistent, having been measured in different ways in studies of variable design (Bearinger & Blum, 1997).…”

“…The concept of 'locus of control', for example, commonly features as a risk or protective factor (Bearinger & Blum, 1997). However, findings on whether, and how, individuals perceive events as an outcome of internal and external control factors, and whether or not individuals exhibit high or low self-control, are extremely inconsistent, having been measured in different ways in studies of variable design (Bearinger & Blum, 1997). This risk factors 'overload' has led to an increased emphasis on 'multi-factor' approaches in which the aggregate number of risk factors, and their interplay, is highlighted (Clayton, 1991;Hawkins et al, 1992;De Wit et al, 1995;Hartnoll, 1990;Farrell & Danish, 1993;Bry et al, 1982).…”

Ego-Dystonic Pregnancy and Prenatal Consumption of Alcohol Among First-Time Mothers

“…Mastery has been defined as “the extent to which people see themselves as being in control of the forces that importantly affect their lives” (p.340) [38], with perceived self-mastery indicative of an internal locus of control over important life events. These characteristics are linked with enhanced coping, while an external locus of control is linked with maladaptive coping [39], rendering those with little perceived self-mastery, including adolescents [40, 41], more vulnerable to reliance on substance use in response to stress [42]. One might theorize that an “ego-dystonic” pregnancy, or one that is psychologically uncomfortable, would encourage alcohol use in some pregnant women as a method of self-medication, and that women who do drink prenatally would evidence an external locus of control.…”

Psychological Factors Related with Substance Use Among Regularly Drinking University Students with Low Income

“…Bu çalışmada, üniversite öğrencilerinde madde kullanımı ile ilişkili olarak düşük düzeyde strese yatkınlık bulunmasına karşılık çoğu çalışma bulgularında stresle başetme (Luthar ve D'Avanzo 1999;Park ve Levenson, 2002) ve iç kontrol odağı inancı ile ilişkili olduğu belirtilmektedir (Bearinger ve Blum, 1997). Başka bir çalışmada çalışan gençlerde umutsuzluk, alkol kullanımı problemleri ile ilişkili bulunmuştur (İlhan vd., 2007).…”