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Orienting responses and locus of control.
The British Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology
|February 1, 1979
Summary
Individuals with an external locus of control exhibit distinct physiological responses to stimuli compared to internal locus of control individuals. External scorers showed altered heart rate and larger skin conductance responses, suggesting differences in threat perception and information seeking.
Area of Science:
- Psychophysiology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Limited research exists on the relationship between locus of control and physiological activity.
- Locus of control (Rotter, 1966) describes an individual's generalized expectancies about the extent to which they can control events affecting them.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between locus of control and physiological responses (heart rate, skin conductance).
- To examine how locus of control influences reactions to auditory stimuli and changes in stimulus characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Forty subjects completed a locus of control scale.
- Heart rate and skin conductance were measured during exposure to a series of auditory stimuli.
- Responses were analyzed in relation to locus of control scores.
Main Results:
- Subjects with an external locus of control showed less heart rate deceleration and more acceleration compared to internal scorers.
- External scorers tended to exhibit larger skin conductance responses to changes in stimulus characteristics.
- Internal locus of control subjects demonstrated different physiological reactivity patterns.
Conclusions:
- Findings support Lazarus' (1966) theory that perceived control reduces threat.
- Results suggest that individuals with an internal locus of control actively seek information to enhance their sense of control.
- Physiological responses are linked to an individual's locus of control orientation.