Developmental Aspects of Locus of Control in Preschool Children

Locus of control (LOC), egocentrism, and verbal skills were measured in 174 children attending preschool. Responses to questions on the Stephens-Delys Reinforcement Contingency Interview were scored independently as measures of LOC orientation and egocentrism. Results indicated that LOC orientation for positive and negative social event outcomes are highly related; however, children perceived more control over negative than over positive outcomes. Contrary to predictions by Mischel, internal responses of young children were not predominantly egocentric; nor was LOC related to age. Children perceived significantly more control over social event outcomes involving parents than over peers and teachers. Results were interpreted as supporting the concept of LOC as a stable, unitary personality trait that develops in young children as a result of interactions with parents.