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Locus of control in adolescence: a longitudinal study
1Department of Psychology, Academy of Physical Education, Gdañsk, Poland.
Adolescence
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Adolescent locus of control shows stability, with minor shifts over three years. Gender differences emerge, with girls becoming more external and boys initially more internal before also shifting externally.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Psychology
Background:
- Locus of control (LOC) is a key psychological construct.
- Understanding LOC development in adolescence is crucial for developmental psychology.
- Previous research indicates potential shifts in LOC during formative years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal development and stability of locus of control in adolescence.
- To examine shifts and stability in locus of control over a three-year period.
- To analyze the influence of sex, LOC type, and school achievement on LOC development.
Main Methods:
- A three-year longitudinal study involving 84 adolescents (49 boys, 35 girls).
- Locus of control measured using the Delta questionnaire at three time points.
- Statistical analyses utilized LOC as the dependent variable, with sex, LOC type, and school achievement as independent variables.
Main Results:
- Small, statistically insignificant shifts in locus of control observed in both genders over three years.
- Divergent gender trajectories: girls trended externally, while boys initially became more internal before shifting externally.
- Initial LOC type predicted changes at one and two years; school achievement did not significantly predict changes.
Conclusions:
- Adolescence is characterized by relative stability in locus of control.
- Gender plays a significant role in the nuanced development of locus of control during adolescence.
- While overall stability is noted, individual and gender-specific trajectories warrant further investigation.