Abstract
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to examine changes on dimensions of irrational beliefs (demand for success, demand for comfort, demand for respect) according to the dimensions of internal-external locus of control and gender in early adolescence.
Method:
The sample consisted of 348 students in 7th and 8th grade who were recruited from three junior high schools. Data was collected by using Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale and Irrational Beliefs Scale for Adolescents. Twoway analysis of variance were applied for data analysis.
Results:
Findings indicated no significant interaction between internal-external locus of control and gender on three subscales of irrational beliefs (demandfor success, demandfor comfort, demandfor respect). Externally oriented adolescents exhibited more demand for comfort than internally oriented adolescents in four dimensions of locus of control (family relationships, peer relationships, supersitition, and fate). Externally oriented adolescents had more demand for success in family relationships and fate than internally oriented adolescents. Surprisingly, internally oriented adolescents demonstrated more demand for comfort and demand for respect than externally oriented adolescents in achievement dimension of locus of control. Generally, boys had higher scores on demandfor success and demandfor comfort than girls in dimensions of locus of control.
Discussion:
Observed changes on irrational beliefs according to dimensions of internal-external locus of control and gender were discussed in regard to developmental and cultural factors.
Keywords: Irrational beliefs, locus of control, early adolescents
