Perceived discrimination and relative deprivation in Chinese migrant adolescents: the mediating effect of locus of control and moderating effect of duration since migration

Background Associations between perceived discrimination and relative deprivation have been observed among both general and migrant populations. However, it is unclear how, and under what conditions, perceived discrimination relates to relative deprivation, a subjective cognition and affective experience in which individuals or groups perceive themselves as disadvantaged, compared to their peers. Therefore, this study aimed to construct a moderated mediation model to examine the roles of locus of control and duration since migration in the relationship between perceived discrimination and relative deprivation among Chinese rural-to-urban migrant adolescents. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using a convenience sampling method in three coastal cities in southeast China. We recruited 625 Chinese rural-to-urban migrant adolescents, who completed a battery of questionnaires assessing perceived discrimination, relative deprivation, locus of control, and demographic variables. Regression-based statistical mediation and moderation were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results After controlling for sex and age, perceived discrimination was positively associated with migrant adolescents’ relative deprivation, and external locus of control partially mediated this connection. Furthermore, the mediating effect was moderated by the duration of the migration. In relatively recently migrated adolescents, perceived discrimination was significantly related to relative deprivation through a greater external locus of control; however, this indirect association was not significant for adolescents with long-term migratory duration. Conclusion The results of our analysis expand our understanding of the link between perceived discrimination and relative deprivation. Moreover, these findings may provide practical guidance for interventions among Chinese rural-to-urban migrant adolescents to raise their social status and improve their mental health by addressing the macro-social psychological causes of relative deprivation.

Peran Moderasi Komitmen Profesional terhadap Perilaku Reduksi Kualitas Audit Periode Pandemi Covid-19

The aims of this study was to examine the effect of time budget pressure and locus of control on the behavior of auditors performing audit quality reduction behavior in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic. In addition, to find out profesional commitment to moderate the effect of time budget pressure and locus of control on audit quality reduction behavior in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic. The population in this study are auditors who work in Public Accounting Firms, the sampling method used purposive sampling and obtained a sample of 64 respondents who collected data using google form. Data analysis used multiple linear regression and moderated regression analysis (MRA). This study found that external locus of control had a positive effect on audit quality reduction behavior and the moderating role of profesional commitment was not supported. This study implies that auditors can adapt to current conditions except for auditors who have an external locus of control and policy makers can pay attention to this.

The Internal–External Locus of Control Short Scale–4 (IE-4): A comprehensive validation of the English-language adaptation

The Internal–External Locus of Control Short Scale–4 (IE-4) measures two dimensions of the personality trait locus of control with two items each. IE-4 was originally developed and validated in German and later translated into English. In the present study, we assessed the psychometric properties (i.e., objectivity, reliability, validity) of the English-language IE-4, compared these psychometric properties with those of the German-language source version, and tested measurement invariance across both language versions. Using heterogeneous quota samples from the UK and Germany, we find that the English-language adaptation has satisfactory reliability and plausible correlations with 11 external variables (e.g., general self-efficacy, self-esteem, impulsive behavior, Emotional Stability), which are comparable with those of the German-language source version. Moreover, metric measurement invariance of the scale holds when comparing the UK and Germany, implying the comparability of correlations based on the latent factors across the two nations. As an ultra-short scale (completion time < 30 s), IE-4 lends itself particularly to the assessment of locus of control in survey contexts in which assessment time or questionnaire space are limited. It can be applied in a variety of research disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, or economics.

Thinking magically or thinking scientifically: Cognitive and belief predictors of complementary and alternative medicine use in women with and without cancer diagnosis

Background Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is popular among the general population and patients with various diseases, but our understanding of the predictors of CAM use for the population of women with or without cancer diagnosis is still quite limited. This paper examines predictors of attitudes toward and use of CAM, including cognitive factors (scientific reasoning, health literacy, locus of control), beliefs (holistic and magical health beliefs pseudoscientific beliefs, and trust in doctors), sociodemographic factors, and cancer diagnosis. Methods The sample consisted of 177 women (103, 58.2% without cancer, 74, 41.8% with cancer diagnosis; Mage = 38.81, SD = 11.43). Results Pseudoscientific/magical beliefs and external locus of control were the strongest predictors of positive attitudes toward CAM and its higher use, as well as preference for CAM instead of conventional treatment. Cancer diagnosis predicted only higher CAM use, but not more positive attitudes to CAM, nor preference for CAM instead of conventional medicine. There was no difference between women with and without cancer diagnosis in using CAM after we controlled for age and education. Women in our sample had a similar level of magical beliefs, holistic health beliefs, and attitudes toward CAM regardless of their cancer diagnosis. However, women with cancer had significantly more pseudoscientific beliefs than women without cancer and a higher external locus of control over their health. Conclusion Women who have an inclination toward holistic and magical beliefs about health tend to favor CAM treatments independently of the cancer diagnosis, although the diagnosis of cancer also contributes to their higher use of CAM. In other words, it seems improbable that women would turn toward CAM treatment only after being diagnosed with cancer.

Locus of control moderates the association of COVID-19 stress and general mental distress: results of a Norwegian and a German-speaking cross-sectional survey

Background An internal locus of control (LoC I) refers to the belief that the outcome of events in one’s life is contingent upon one’s actions, whereas an external locus of control (LoC E) describes the belief that chance and powerful others control one’s life. This study investigated whether LoC I and LoC E moderated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress in the general population during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional survey study analysed data from a Norwegian (n = 1225) and a German-speaking sample (n = 1527). We measured LoC with the Locus of Control-4 Scale (IE-4), COVID-19 stress with a scale developed for this purpose, and mental distress with the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4). Moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results The association between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress was strong (r = .61 and r = .55 for the Norwegian and the German-speaking sample, respectively). In both samples, LoC showed substantial moderation effects. LoC I served as a buffer (p < .001), and LoC E exacerbated (p < .001) the relation between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress. Conclusions The data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic is easier to bear for people who, despite pandemic-related strains, feel that they generally have influence over their own lives. An external locus of control, conversely, is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. The prevention of mental distress may be supported by enabling a sense of control through citizen participation in policy decisions and transparent explanation in their implementation.

Existential Vacuum and External Locus of Control as Predictors of Burnout among Nurses

Existential vacuum and psychological burnout are becoming increasingly important issues in healthcare professions, especially nursing. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of several demographic factors including gender, work position, experience, and educational level as well as existential vacuum and locus of control (external and internal) in predicting burnout among nurses. A convenience sample of 181 nurses was selected to represent the study sample. Participants were assessed using an existence scale, locus of control scale, and burnout scale. The study showed that 40.3% of nurses had severe existential vacuum. It was found that 93.9% of nurses had experienced a moderate level of burnout. External locus of control was the most common personality trait among participating nurses in this study. It also was found that existential vacuum and external locus of control were the main predictors of psychological burnout among nurses. The findings of our study highlight major problems facing nursing, such as existential vacuum and psychological burnout. It is recommended to enhance nurses’ workplace, provide proper psychological prevention programs, and teach advocacy skills.

Locus of control and Student Achievement

Locus of control is one of the personality characteristics possessed by humans. Locus of control can be divided into two, namely internal locus of control and external locus of control. Locus of control is a predictor of several other variables, such as learning achievement. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of locus of control with learning achievement. This research uses descriptive and correlational methods. The instrument filling is done online by using the google form application considering the increasing spread of COVID-19. Finally, as many as 36 students participated in filling this instrument. In this study, researchers used the Rotters Internal-External Locus of Control (IE Scale) inventory consisting of 29 items, of which there were 6 filler items, so that the total number of items that could be processed was 23 items, while to see learning achievement using the Grade Point Average (GPA) that researchers get from the Academic Information System (SIAKAD). Research findings show that locus of control has a strong negative relationship with student learning achievement. We advise students to have an internal locus of control while continuing to believe in God; The counselor is expected to be able to arrange an intervention program for students who have an external locus of control and have low learning achievement.

Locus of control moderates the association of COVID-19 stress and general mental distress: Results of a cross-sectional survey in two large samples from Norway, Germany, and Austria

Background: An internal locus of control (LoC I) refers to the belief that the outcome of events in one’s life is contingent upon one’s actions, whereas an external locus of control (LoC E) describes the belief that chance and powerful others control one's life. This study investigated whether LoC I and LoC E moderated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress in the general population during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional survey study analysed data from a Norwegian (n=1,225) and a German-speaking sample (n=1,527). We measured LoC with the Locus of Control-4 Scale (IE-4), COVID-19 stress with a scale developed for this purpose, and mental distress with the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4). Moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results: The association between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress was strong (r=.61 and r=.55 for the Norwegian and the German-speaking sample, respectively). In both samples, LoC showed substantial moderation effects. LoC I served as a buffer (p<.001), and LoC E exacerbated (p<.001) the relation between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress. Conclusions: The data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic is easier to bear for people who, despite pandemic-related strains, feel that they generally have influence over their own lives. An external locus of control, conversely, is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. The prevention of mental distress may be supported by enabling a sense of control through citizen participation in policy decisions and transparent explanation in their implementation.