Relationship between Locus of Control and Posttraumatic Growth

Author(s): Joie Cummings; Rhonda Swickert

DOI: https://doi.org/10.65030/idr.08020

Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to assess the relationship between locus of control and posttraumatic growth. The study also examined level of growth after different types of trauma are experienced. Participants (N = 22l) were asked to record a traumatic event and answer questions concerning that event. They were given a packet of questionnaires which assessed locus of control (LOC) and posttraumatic growth (PTG). It was predicted that people with an internal LOC would report greater levels of growth than people with an external LOC. Results showed no significant correlation between overall growth and LOC. However, the enhanced self-efficacy form of posttraumatic growth did correlate significantly with the LOC scale. As for the second prediction, results showed that different levels of growth were found for different types of trauma. Life transition problems were found to be the type of problem from which people perceive the most posttraumatic growth. 

Keywords: Locus of control; Posttraumatic growth; Trauma; Self-efficacy; Individual differences; Life transitions; Personality factors

Pages: 198-204

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