A Study on Locus of Control among Urban Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence is one of the most critical periods of life. The present study examined the levels and patterns of three dimensions of Locus of Control I.e. Powerful Others control, Chance control and Individual control among urban adolescents and also the influence of age, education and socio-economic status on these dimensions. Using an ex post-facto research design, a sample of 60 adolescents aged between 15–24 years were selected through random sampling method.  The data was collected by administering Locus of control scale developed by Sanjay Vohra through google forms. Findings revealed that most of the respondents were in the age group of 19–24 years, belonged to upper middle socio-economic category and pursuing graduation followed by post-graduation. The majority demonstrated average levels of Powerful Others control (82%) and Chance control (63%), indicating moderate dependence on authority figures and external factors such as luck, with girls reporting significantly higher chance beliefs. Individual control was also predominantly average (70%), with a small proportion exhibiting high internal control, reflecting balanced self-efficacy and growing autonomy during late adolescence. Correlation results showed education, age and socio-economic status to be positively significantly associated with internal locus of control dimension, suggesting that maturity, academic exposure and economic stability enhance both self-belief and awareness of external influences. Overall, the study highlights locus of control as a multidimensional construct shaped by demographic factors and developmental processes, emphasizing the need for educational and social environments that promote internal control, autonomy and empowered decision-making among adolescents.