Despite the robust link between dispositional optimism and well-being across the lifespan, the developmental origins of dispositional optimism are unknown. Understanding the pathways that lead to greater optimism during the transition from adolescence into young adulthood may be important given that this stage of the life course involves the…

We use panel data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79) to estimate the effects of cognitive skills (measured by the Armed Forces Qualification Test) and attitudinal/behavioral traits (a latent factor based on self-reported self-esteem, locus of control, educational aspirations and educational expectations) on career wage…

The current study examined the direct relation of sense of control to career adaptability, as well as its ability to function as a mediator for other established predictors, with a sample of 1,991 undergraduate students. Students endorsing a greater sense of personal control were more likely to view themselves as adaptable to the world of work.…

Because leisure activities are often viewed as optional, their value to people with disabilities may not be recognized. This study explored the benefits of leisure activities for eight young people who are blind. These activities provided them with supportive relationships, a desirable identity, experiences of power and control, and experiences of…

This book contains a compilation of papers presented at the International Psychological Applications Conference and Trends (InPACT) 2018, organized by the World Institute for Advanced Research and Science (W.I.A.R.S.). Modern psychology offers a large range of scientific fields where it can be applied. The goal of understanding individuals and…

Examined personality traits of kibbutz children (n=130) and compared them to those of city children (n=142). Children completed Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, Locus of Control for Children, and Persistence Scale for Children. Found differences between kibbutz and city children in locus of control, anxiety, and persistence, and also…

This empirical study investigated three mechanisms of protection (preventive, compensatory, buffering) for two factors (emotional social support, sense of personal control) in the relationship between exposure to community violence and psychological distress among 947 diverse, older adolescents. Findings indicate that social support and sense of…

Examined female adolescent runaways. Found that girls who "run to" were younger, more impulsive, had internal locus of control, and had history of more runaways and longer periods of staying away from home. Girls who "run from" were older, more reflective, had external locus of control, and had history of fewer runaways and shorter periods away…

The link between adolescent abuse, (both long- and short-term), psychological functioning, and locus of control orientation is explored. Maltreated adolescents experience low self-esteem, antisocial behavior, and suicidal tendencies. It is argued that locus of control orientation, deriving from home experiences may determine the extent of…

The present study examined how risk and protective factors were associated with adolescent victimization by testing four competing models from resiliency research - the compensatory, risk-protective, protective-protective, and challenge models. Models were tested separately by gender. The data for this study were based on a multistate project that…

Identification of factors contributing to the timing of first contraceptive use by girls is an important consideration in structuring primary prevention programs to reduce teenage pregnancies. Interviews with 120 girls aged 12-19 in a study of sexual, contraceptive, and pregnancy decision making covered six areas: (1) demographic information; (2)…

Sees risk/resilience research providing transition for professionals in field of emotional/behavioral problems, moving from management of existing problems to addressing risk factors before problems arise. Identifies recurring themes from studies of resilient children/adolescents, describes protective factors related to resilience, and offers…

Investigated the effect of locus of control on vocational maturity in a sample of Canadian high school students (N=700). Internal personalities scored higher than externals on various vocational maturity aspects. Found developmental aspects of Super's theory of adolescent vocational behavior largely substantiated. (Author/JAC)

Shift and stability of locus of control were examined in a sample of 84 adolescent students, using the Delta questionnaire. Data were analyzed using locus of control as the dependent variable. Independent variables were sex, type of locus of control, and school achievement. Overall findings indicate adolescence is a period of relative stability of…

This study found that personality characteristics (including locus of control and self-esteem) of 33 maltreated adolescent females interacted with maltreatment status in predicting depression, suggesting that they are protective factors. Adolescents first experiencing maltreatment during childhood were less likely than those first experiencing…