31st Annual Student Research Conference
Are Internal Locus of Control and Social Support at Odds in the Development of Well-Being?
Bailey R. Holm
Dr. Jeffrey Vittengl, Faculty Mentor
Internal locus of control (LOC) and social support (SS) both predicted health and well-being in past cross-sectional research. But these concepts are partly at odds—would a person with high confidence in their own abilities (LOC) also rely on other people for help and comfort (SS)? The current longitudinal study built on past research to test the interaction between internal LOC and SS in a large sample of mid-life adults assessed in 9-year intervals. Hypotheses were: 1) internal LOC and high SS both predict development of well-being, and 2) individuals with internal LOC need less SS to achieve well-being. In support of the first hypothesis, LOC and SS predicted increases in well-being. However, there was no evidence that individuals with internal LOC needed less SS to achieve well-being, consistent with some past research. Treatments and lifestyle changes that impact LOC and SS may be able to increase individuals’ well-being.
Keywords: locus of control, social support, well-being
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 7-2
Location: GEO - SUB
Time: 3:30