Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Psychology

Supervisor

Rothstein, Mitchell G.

Abstract

Locus of control has been implicated in predicting mental wellbeing outcomes in a variety of theories and empirical studies, however the mediating mechanisms between the trait and mental wellbeing are not well known. The king and Rothstein (2010) model of resiliency posits self-regulation as the active mechanism that leads to recovery in resiliency related outcomes following significant adversity. These self-regulatory processes are predicted by a series of related traits, such as self-efficacy, neuroticism, or conscientiousness. This study investigated the mediating role of affective, behavioral, and cognitive self-regulation between locus of control, depression, and anxiety using mediation analysis. The results indicated locus of control significantly predicted all three self-regulation components, as well both depression and anxiety. Behavioral and Cognitive regulation were found to significantly predict depression and anxiety, suggesting partial mediation for both, but not affective regulation. Results and implications for the resiliency process are then discussed, including the role of self-regulation in recovering from adversity.

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