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Relationship Between Self-esteem And Locus Of Control Among Well Functioning Adolescents
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Several studies show that self-esteem influences academic performance
(Clifford, 1964). Research has shown that self-esteem is a better
predictor of academic success than measured intelligence (Clifford,
1964). Research aside; common sense dictates that our thoughts influence
our feelings and behaviors. Our behavior consequently influences our
performance. Life is essentially a self-fulfilling prophecy. Common
sense also dictates that a student who has self-doubt and lacks
self-acceptance is unlikely to attain academic excellence.
How can a student establish challenging goals if he or she lacks a sense
of self-competence or self-efficacy? How can a student concentrate
fully on studies if he or she lacks self-approval? Indeed, research does
show that underachievers are generally less confident and less
ambitious (Goldberg, 1960), less self accepting (Shaw and Alves, 1963),
and lack sense of personal worth (Durr and Schmatz, 1964).
Research
also shows that feeling worthless can be depressing (Battle, 1990) and
depression generally inhibits performance. As stated by Mark R. Leary
and Deborah L. Downs (1999 p.112) “People who feel worthy, able and
competent are more likely to achieve their goals than those who feel
worthless, impotent and incompetent’’. Research also shows that academic
achievement influences the level of self-esteem. Successful academic
performance enhances self-esteem (Moore, 1996). Similarly, poor academic
performance tends to erode students’ level of self-esteem (Gibby and
Gibby 1967).
Furthermore, Locus of control, which is a personality
construct, refers to an individual’s perception of the locus of events
as determined internally by his or her own behaviour vs. fate, Luck or
external circumstances. It is a belief about whether the outcomes of our
actions are contingent on what we do (internal control orientation) or
on eventsoutside our personal control (external control orientation)
(Zimbardo, 1985). In general, it seems to be psychologically healthy to
perceive that one has control over those things, which one is capable of
influencing.
PURPOSE OF STUDY
The purpose of this
study is to determine whether there will be a significant positive
relationship between high self-esteem and internal locus of control
among well functioning adolescents.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
The
problem of inferiority complex among adolescents is becoming alarming.
Often times, we see adolescents doing things against their wish because
most of their friends or peers supported that. This attitude makes them
to blame society for their failure (external locus of control). Because
the action was not their desire, there is every tendency that they will
bear the blame. This pattern of life affects their development.
Due to this worry, the present study deem it necessary to know whether
most of the adolescents who lack confidence in themselves will attribute
their failures to society or themselves.
Therefore, the
present study will give answer to this question; Will there be a
significant positive relationship between high self-esteem and internal
locus of control?
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ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]This study investigated the relationship between self-esteem and locus of control among well-functioning Adolescents. A total of 100 Adolescents (55 males and 45 females) selected from senior secondary school were used. The participants were within the age range of 15-19 years with a mean age of 17 years. Three set of instrument comprising self-esteem test (Adenyo & Oyefoso 1985) Locus of control test (Criag, Franklin & Andrew 1984) and Kohn, Brien-wood, pukening & Decicco (2003) were used. Corr ... Continue reading---
