The Effects of Locus of Control in Powerful Others on the Interpersonal Maladjustment and Physiological Stress Response

Abstract

This study aims to examine the dysfunctional effects of external locus of control (LOC) in powerful others on the social interpretation and levels of physiological stress response. As the LOC in powerful others determines the quality of social interpretation and risk of cardiovascular diseases, this study investigated the LOC in powerful others with the cardiovascular model of perceived discrimination. 294 participants who are aged in 20s reported their psychological and physiological states with self-reported questionnaires, smart phone health care application, and blood pressure device. To evaluate the social interpretation and physiological stress responses, the levels of perceived discrimination and pulse pressure have been measured. The results showed that when the LOC in powerful others was high, the levels of perceived discrimination and blood pressure were also enhanced only in male participants. This study suggests that the individuals’ belief of controllability in their life events determines the physiological stress responses through subjectively perceived discrimination and lead to interpersonal and physiological dysfunction.