Internal-external locus of control : a comparison of delinquent and non-delinquent male adolescents

This thesis has investigated and statistically analyzed the responses of delinquent and non-delinquent adolescent male subjects to Julian B. Rotter's Internal-external Locus of Control Scale. An individual with an "internal locus of control" is characterized by believing that what happens to him is a direct result of his own actions. A person with an "external locus of control" is more likely to feel that forces beyond his control such as fate or luck, determine what will happen to him.Delinquent subjects were obtained through a juvenile court. Non-delinquent subjects were obtained through school systems and youth groups. Selection of subjects was controlled for race, age, socio-economic level, and number of parents living at home. No significant difference was found for locus of control between delinquent and non-delinquent groups or between races.