Validity of Locus of Control and Self-Esteem Measures in a National Longitudinal Study

Abstract

This study examined the relationships of the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 measures of locus of control and self-esteem to differential goal attainment in the areas of education, work, marriage, and fertility. Little evidence was obtained for the hypotheses that internal control and positive self-esteem further differential goal attainment, or that differential goal attainment furthers internal control and positive self-esteem. Thus, the results raise questions about the validity of the measures, of their underlying theories, or of both.