Parent-Child Relationships and Locus of Control in Two-Child Families

In a rapidly changing society, locus of control becomes an important psychological indicator reflecting an individual's readiness to actively manage their own life. Research shows that an internal locus of control is associated with higher levels of psychological well-being, academic achievement, and social responsibility. The relevance of studying the factors that influence the development of locus of control in childhood and adolescence is determined by its high plasticity during this period and the possibility of targeted influence through the family environment.

The present study focuses on the relationship between parental and child locus of control in the context of parent-child relationships in intact two-child families. Particular attention is given to the analysis of both direct and indirect influences (through parental attitudes) of parental locus of control on children's locus of control.

The sample consisted of 278 families (N = 1,112 individuals). The Questionnaire of Locus Control and the "Parent-Child Interaction" questionnaire were used for assessment. Data analysis was conducted using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM).

Parents with a more internal locus of control demonstrated more positive attitudes toward their children, which in turn was positively associated with the development of an internal locus of control in siblings. Maternal locus of control was found to play a particularly important role, exerting both direct and indirect influences on children's locus of control. Within the parental dyad, maternal influence was expressed not only as actor effects but also as partner effects, through its impact on paternal attitudes toward the children. It was also shown that children's subjective perception of a parental positive attitude is a particularly significant mediator between parental and child locus of control.

The obtained data emphasize the significance of the family environment, specifically positive parental attitude, in the formation of locus of control in children.