In the analytic process, "beneficial uncertainty" is aroused to help the patient tolerate uncertainty in areas previously shut off in his/her search for identity. Through this process, the patient learns to accept responsibility for his/her actions and no longer blames others. (PP)

Used a simulated collective bargaining game characterized by interaction between bargaining teams to investigate effects of team locus of control on aspiration and bargaining outcomes. Results suggest the more internal a team's personal control beliefs, the more likely the team will not reach a negotiated settlement. (Author/JAC)

The Multidimensional-Multiattributional Causality Scale (MMCS) was administered to 74 academically gifted high school students. Data analysis supported the factorial validity of the MMCS. However, several limitations of the scale are discussed. (Author/PN)

Examined factors that freshman (N=161) used to explain their first-term performance and the relationship between these attributions and affect, expectancy, and future performance. Results showed that successful students rated most items higher than unsuccessful ones, and positive affective responses to achievement were associated with internal…

Hypothesized that a too early first birth has negative psychological consequences for the mother through a lowered sense of personal efficacy. Results indicated that having a first birth before age 19 reduces personal efficacy, regardless of original differences in personal efficacy, age, education, or parental socioeconomic status. (Author/RC)

Two experiments investigated the relationship between the magnitude of motivation for control over the environment and tendency to derogate victims. Manipulated situational controllability and uncontrollability within a learned helplessness procedure and assessed derogation of a victimized stranger. Results indicated that motivation and need for…

Identified criterion variables known to be related to educational-vocational indecision. Determined if unique relationships existed between factor structure on the Career Decision Scale (CDS) adapted for graduate students and the criterion variables. Results suggested that factor scores of the CDS measure essentially equivalent components of…

The health locus of control scale was used to compare mastectomy patients who received counseling to patients not receiving counseling. Posttreatment group means in the locus of control were accounted for by changes on the fate subscale. Validity of this scale for populations characterized by different health problems is discussed. (Author)

Experiments investigate hypothesis that vulnerable self-esteem internals and externals react more defensively to negative intellectual and personality feedback than congruent internals and externals. Suggested that consistently internal view of causation may increase stress in evaluative situations. Discusses implications for understanding…

Investigated the effects of a life-planning, career education seminar on the locus of control and career maturity of high school students. Results indicated that the educational approach used was able to positively influence the "work personality" of students. (Author/DB)

Investigated the relationship among eight dimensions of reading attitude and measures of academic aptitude, locus of control, and field independence for 322 inner-city fifth graders. Verbal academic aptitude correlated significantly with the Expressed Reading Difficulty, Reading Anxiety, Silent versus Oral Reading, and Reading as Enjoyment reading…

Evaluated the personality functioning of learning disabled children, who ranged in age from 7 through 11. Significant externality was noted for both males and females. Older children were significantly more external than their younger counterparts. (Author)

Locus of control subjects' incorrect responses by frustrating or nonfrustrating confederates were punished by electric shock. Data indicated increased aggression after frustration by externals and less aggression by internals. Results indicate aggression is cognitively regulated by a personality-related belief in uncontrollability; the less the…

Power and the paradox of powerlessness are defined in terms of the resource exchange theory of Foa and Foa. Power is conceptualized as the possession of resources, e.g., love, status, and money. The Karpman triangle is used to illustrate the power behind the victim's powerlessness. (Author)

An investigation of the relationships among teacher locus of control, teacher behavior, student behavior, and student academic achievement revealed that teachers with internal locus of control tended to have higher achieving classes, although the relationships among the variables are not clear-cut. (CJ)