Describes a study which used scales based on Rotter's social learning theories to predict absenteeism among community college students. Only two variables were significantly related to avoidable absences: high concern for grades was related to high absenteeism and belief in the importance of attendance for learning was related to low absenteeism.…

Fifty-three women categorized as incongruent (extreme difference between personality and occupation as categorized by Holland) completed instruments measuring job satisfaction, vocational aspiration, interpersonal competence, self-acceptance, and locus of control. Contrary to expectations, most expressed good-to-high levels of job satisfaction,…

D. Meichenbaum's cognitive behavior modification theory was applied in a study of 30 first graders and 25 third graders who exhibited mild classroom problem behaviors. Results of the controlled study indicate that the self-instructional training method derived from the theory is a viable classroom management option for regular education. (TJH)

Examines the effects of headings and adjunct questions embedded in expository text on the delayed multiple-choice test performance of college students. Finds that headings may promote the organization of passage information so as to increase its general availability, while the overall effect of adjunct questions was not significant. (MM)

Reviews research on the theory of internal-external (IE) control expectancies over the past 30 years. Relates the IE to the following current attributions and personal styles: (1) perceived control; (2) helplessness; and (3) optimism, particularly in regard to health. (FMW)

Two laboratory studies examined self- and socially caused behavior. Found that subjects who preferred socially caused behavior were more likely to choose spontaneous interactions with strangers (Study 1) and were more accurate in assessing their own influence over behavior of others in self-disclosure task (Study 2) than were those who preferred…

Investigated gender differences among first-year medical students' attitudes toward discussion-oriented behavioral science course, performance on course essay, and locus of control. Found that female students generally evaluated course more favorably than did males, and scored more externally on locus of control measure. Found no sex differences…

The author of EC 608 658 reflects on her interest in the social life of students with learning disabilities, the relationship of her study to other studies on social behavior and self-concept, the finding that students with learning disabilities attribute both internal and external factors for successful outcomes, and the importance of attribution…

Female Mexican American high school students attended presentations by Hispanic female role models in business, academic, and professional careers. Although student questionnaires suggested high levels of career and educational aspirations and self-efficacy, focus-group comments indicated external locus of control and feelings of isolation and…

Examined the effects of perceived control and close alternative outcomes on counterfactual generation (thoughts of what could have been). Subjects played a "wheel of fortune" game in which they controlled one of two wheels. Results supported the idea that people generate counterfactuals about events over which they have perceived…

Examined impact of outcome controllability on counterfactual thoughts (thoughts of what could have been). Two studies showed that outcome controllability affected counterfactual direction: thoughts on how things could have been better were more frequent following controllable outcomes, and thoughts on how things could have been worse followed…

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…

Compared self-esteem and perceived maternal care and control of 134 Jamaican schoolgirls and 108 pregnant adolescents and teenage mothers. Subjects were 14 through 17 years old, from working-class backgrounds, and living in rural and urban areas. Findings suggest that father-figure absence and low self-esteem may combine as risk factors for…

A study with 342 Nepalese college students suggests the structure of learning processes is similar for Nepalese, Australian, and Filipino students. Internal locus of control also appears to be a factor in adoption of learning strategies. Differences between secondary and college students and between Nepalese and Australian students are discussed.…

This study of 60 mothers of young children with physical disabilities in Israel failed to support hypothesis that mothers with "internally" focused locus of control would demonstrate greater utilization of their support system. Analysis indicated that mother's age, child's level of functioning, and existence of additional members of…