Abstract / Description of output
Aims and Research Questions: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate current research to conclude whether unemployment leads to changes in locus of control and whether assessment timing and status prior to unemployment moderate this change.
Method: Online databases were searched for studies published between 1954 (which saw Rotter first develop the concept of locus of control) and 2018. Twelve longitudinal studies were sourced that used a validated measure to assess locus of control in either students or among part- or full-time employed and then again among the same group following job loss or the termination of studies.
Results: Random effects modelling pointed towards a small but statistically significant change in locus of control towards greater externality (d = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.09-0.26, p = 0.000, k = 11). Moderator analyses suggested that this change was more significant in students entering unemployment (d = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.09-0.38, p = 0.002, k = 6) than among former employees and that greater change could be observed when a second assessment was made closer to the time of first assessment (d = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.15-0.31, p = 0.000, k = 2).
Conclusions: This meta-analysis concludes that there is a statistically significant change in locus of control following unemployment but that this change might not extend to clinical significance.
Method: Online databases were searched for studies published between 1954 (which saw Rotter first develop the concept of locus of control) and 2018. Twelve longitudinal studies were sourced that used a validated measure to assess locus of control in either students or among part- or full-time employed and then again among the same group following job loss or the termination of studies.
Results: Random effects modelling pointed towards a small but statistically significant change in locus of control towards greater externality (d = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.09-0.26, p = 0.000, k = 11). Moderator analyses suggested that this change was more significant in students entering unemployment (d = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.09-0.38, p = 0.002, k = 6) than among former employees and that greater change could be observed when a second assessment was made closer to the time of first assessment (d = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.15-0.31, p = 0.000, k = 2).
Conclusions: This meta-analysis concludes that there is a statistically significant change in locus of control following unemployment but that this change might not extend to clinical significance.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 15-29 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Psychreg Journal of Psychology |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2022 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- locus of control
- unemployment
- assessment
- control
- meta-analysis