Self-esteem, locus of control, and adolescent contraception
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 23, 2026

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
Abstract:
The relationships between locus of control, self-esteem, and attitudes to contraception and contraceptive behaviors were assessed for 486 single women of ages 13 to 20, attending 10 birth control centers in Southern Ontario, Canada. The Ss voluntarily filled out a questionnaire, and the data were measured with the Fatalism scale of Reid and Ware's I-E scale, a Likert-type self-esteem scale, and a semantic differential birth control pill scale. There were no significant relationships between locus of control and any of the contraception variables. Ss with high self-esteem were found to have positive attitudes toward using birth control pills, to be less embarrassed about obtaining contraception, and to be more effective and consistent contraceptive users.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Rotter's Locus of Control
Individuals with an internal locus of control believe that their personal efforts and decisions directly affect their...
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Sources of Self-Esteem II: Performance Feedback
Self-Efficacy
Locus of Control

