Internal-external expectancy, maladjustment and psychotherapeutic intervention.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Internal-external expectancy, a key concept in locus of control theory, influences psychological adjustment.
• Maladjustment is often associated with externalizing one's locus of control.
• Psychotherapeutic interventions aim to address cognitive and behavioral patterns impacting mental well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing research on the relationship between internal-external expectancy and psychological maladjustment.
• To examine the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions in modifying expectancy.
• To synthesize findings regarding the interplay between locus of control, adjustment, and therapy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies investigating internal-external expectancy.
• Analysis of research focusing on maladjustment and its correlation with expectancy.
• Evaluation of studies employing psychotherapeutic techniques to alter expectancy.

Main Results:

• A consistent relationship was found between external expectancy and poorer psychological adjustment.
• Evidence indicates that psychotherapy is an effective method for modifying externalizing tendencies.
• The reviewed studies support the modifiability of expectancy through therapeutic engagement.

Conclusions:

• External locus of control is linked to psychological difficulties.
• Psychotherapy offers a viable pathway to shift expectancy towards a more internal locus of control.
• These findings have implications for therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing psychological adjustment.