The role of self-efficacy and locus of control in job readiness training programs

Research suggests that individuals with higher levels of self-efficacy and internal locus of control are more likely to engage in job search activities and persist for longer periods of time when faced with repeated failure when compared to individuals with low self-efficacy and external locus of control (Kulik and Rowland, J. Organization. Behav. 1989;10:361-367). This article will discuss how Bandura's (Psychol. Rev. 1977;84:191-214) self-efficacy theory and Rotter's (Psychol. Monogr.: Gen. Appl. 1966;80:1-27) locus of control theory can be applied to increase participation and persistence in job readiness training programs for people with disabilities. The authors will provide an overview of those theories and then use a case example to illustrate how they can be used in the job readiness process.