Locus of Control and Coping Style as Stress Moderators in Achievement OrientedIndividuals

摘要

The effects of achievement motivation, locus of control orientation and preferredcoping style were investigated for their relationship with subjects reported stress symptoms. Scales for each of these variables were administered to 100 Psychology students at the University of Hartford. The results of these self-reports were analyzed using zero-order correlations and multiple regression analysis. It was predicted that the overall multiple regression coefficient would be significant, as well as the joint effects of locus of control orientation, achievement motive, and preferred coping style on subjects reported stress symptoms. The results indicated a lack of relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. An external locus of control orientation was significantly related to higher stress scores and lower achievement orientation. Higher achievement orientation was positively related to the use of active coping styles. Male subjects were slightly but significantly more internally oriented in terms of locus of control than female subjects. The findings were intended to refute the usefullness of the Type A Personality construct in predicting stress-related illness. There is evidence that there are stress moderators that may buffer high achievers from the adverse effects of stress but the relationship is complex and tenuous.