NAVIGATING LIFE’S CHALLENGES: THE ROLE OF LOCUS OF CONTROL IN SHAPING SELF-ESTEEM IN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

This study explores the idea of locus of control, which refers to individuals' beliefs about the extent to which they have control over the events in their lives. An internal locus of control implies that individuals believe they can influence their outcomes through their own actions, while an external locus of control suggests that external factors predominantly dictate their life events. It is hypothesized that adult self-esteem may be predicted by locus of control. Another investigation is that the locus of control and self-esteem may differ significantly between genders. Two hundred and fifty participants were recruited in the study who are between the ages of 18 to 30. The measures used were the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) and Rotter's Locus of Control Scale (Rotter, 1966). The regression analysis and independent t-test were used to perform statistical analyses. The findings revealed that adult self-esteem would be predicted by locus of control, and that there were significant gender differences in both self-esteem and locus of control. The outcomes have vital implications for counselors and mental health practitioners in developing interventions aimed at improving self-esteem by promoting and strengthening internal locus of control among young adults.

Keyword: Psychological factors, locus of control, self-esteem, gender differences, control beliefs, self-perception