Investigated the dimensionality of the locus of control (LOC) construct in 174 inmates at a state prison for women. Factor analyses showed the presence of one factor, the internal-external dimension. The dimensionality of LOC was unrelated to length of imprisonment. Homogeneity of sex, race, and socioeconomic status influenced results. (JAC)

Juvenile residents (N=12) were assigned to biofeedback or video game conditions to examine their effects on self-regulation skills. Results indicated no significant differences between biofeedback and video game training. However, pre- and post-differences for both groups combined demonstrated significant gains in self-regulation. (Author/BL)

Experience supports the assertion that incarcerated males believe that their lives and events that occur are a result of forces outside themselves. This paper reviews earlier findings and reports research showing that male inmates are external in their locus of control and the andragogical assumption of self-directed learning is not valid for…

Evaluated the psychotherapeutic adjunct of bibliotherapy in a maximum security correctional setting with 54 volunteers from a general and segregated population. Results indicated that bibliotherapy may have a facilitative effect on self-concept and internal locus of control but cannot be differentiated from the effects of therapist intervention.…

Examined effect of narcissism and locus of control on prisoner ability to complete family life psycho-educational program. Data from 63 inmates and 2 sex offender groups indicated significant correlation between locus of control, narcissism, and final examination scores. No significant correlations were found between narcissism and locus of…

A review of over a thousand studies that deal with either locus of control or levels of interpersonal functioning found no research that deals with both. This study is an initial exploration designed to discover any relationship between scores associated with measures of both locus and levels. (Author)

A study used the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility Questionnaire and the Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Control Scale to understand the nature of internal and external factors in the lives of two groups of low literate adults--26 prisoners and 26 persons in noninstitutional settings. Results showed that both groups attribute their…

Tests the relationship between locus of control and drug abuse and the influence of test instructions and social desirability. Results of research with incarcerated offenders indicated test instructions aimed at heightening social desirability artificially inflated locus of control scores. Found no significant differences between drug abusers and…

Examined social cognitive skills in aggressive and nonaggressive delinquent youths with high or low behavioral functioning. Found significant interaction on problem-solving skills, with higher functioning, non-aggressive youths performing better than lower functioning counterparts; no differences occurred within aggressive groups. (Author/NB)

This research assessed the reliability and validity of the Purpose in Life test in an inmate population, investigated the relationship between the PIL test and attitudes, locus of control, personality factors, and several demographic variables, and compared the PIL scores of inmates with scores of normal samples. (Author/RK)