Financial Constraints, External Locus of Control, and Emotional Exhaustion

Abstract

The study examines whether an external locus of control (LOC) moderates the association between financial constraints and emotional exhaustion related to one’s financial situation. The participants for this study were 821 U.S. adults aged 20 and older who completed an online survey in September 2019. Results revealed that the association between financial constraints and emotional exhaustion was moderated by an external LOC. Although individuals with a high external LOC were found to perceive more emotional exhaustion, the positive association between financial constraints and emotional exhaustion was stronger for those with a low external LOC than those with a high external LOC. Findings identify the LOC as an important phenomenon of inquiry on emotional exhaustion related to one’s financial situation. Findings suggest that an external LOC may serve as a potential point of intervention. Our findings could be used by practitioners to identify populations at greater risk for the experience of emotional exhaustion related to one’s financial situation.