Locus of control and depression: that confounded relationship

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• A significant positive correlation between external locus of control and depression is frequently observed in research.
• The underlying reasons for this association require further investigation to distinguish between artifactual and genuine relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the nature of the relationship between locus of control and depression.
• To determine if the perceived mood of locus of control responses influences the observed correlation with depression.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted with student populations.
• Study 1 involved rating the mood of Rotter's Internal-External (I-E) scale items.
• Study 2 administered the Beck Depression Inventory and the I-E scale, followed by statistical analysis controlling for mood.

Main Results:

• External locus of control responses were rated as significantly more depressive in tone than internal responses.
• A significant positive correlation was found between the Beck Depression Inventory and the I-E scale.
• This correlation ceased to be significant when the mood level of the I-E items was statistically controlled.

Conclusions:

• The frequently observed relationship between external locus of control and depression may be an artifact of the depressive mood associated with externalizing statements.
• Mood, rather than the content of control beliefs, may account for the correlation between locus of control and depression.
• Future research should consider and control for mood effects when examining locus of control and depression.