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Internal-external locus of control and guilt.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|April 1, 1976
Summary
Individuals with an internal locus of control experience more hostility guilt. Females report higher levels of guilt than males, indicating gender differences in guilt expression.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Locus of control (internal-external) is a key personality construct.
- Guilt is a complex emotion with moral and social implications.
- Understanding the interplay between personality and guilt is crucial for psychological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between locus of control orientation and guilt.
- To explore gender differences in guilt experiences.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale.
- Employed the Mosher Guilt Scales (Hostility and Morality-Conscience Guilt).
- Surveyed 65 male and 137 undergraduate students.
Main Results:
- Internals reported significantly higher hostility guilt compared to externals.
- Females exhibited greater levels of both hostility and morality-conscience guilt than males.
- Significant correlations were found between locus of control and specific guilt types.
Conclusions:
- Internal locus of control is associated with increased hostility guilt.
- Gender plays a role in the experience and expression of guilt.
- Findings contribute to understanding personality-trait influences on emotional responses.