Locus of Control and College Students’ Use of Alcohol, Cigarettes and Drugs

Abstract

Past studies have shown that an external locus of control (LOC) is associated with health-threatening behaviors, such as the use of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs, Results of research on the relationship between perceived control and substance use in high school and college students have been mixed and inconclusive. 32 male and 98 females undergraduates, ages 17-25, who volunteered (with informed consent) to take part in the study were given the Dimension (Physical, Psychological, Social, Moral) X Outcome LOC Inventory and a questionnaire assessing use of alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and demographic information. Results indicated that 84% of the participants reported use of alcohol, 22% cigarettes and 17% drugs. No differential effects were found for cigarette or drug use. There were significant positive relationships between alcohol use and Physical and Psychological LOC, especially for males. Heavier alcohol use was associated with a more external LOC. There were no significant differential effects for participants over the legal age limit. (>21) For “underage” participants, there was a significant positive relationship between alcohol use and Psychological LOC. Demographically, a higher Economic level was associated with heavier alcohol use for males, females and underage participants. For participants >21, a strong religious belief was associated with less use of alcohol. Past inconsistent findings can be attributed to differences in substance in question, gender, demographics (age, economic level and strength of religious belief) and the measure and dimension of perceived control.