ABSTRACT

Neuroticism has been known to cause many adverse effects on the well-being of individuals, and Locus of Control (LOC) has been found to affect how a person responds to stressful situations, whether it be adversely or positively. The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of the relationship between an individual’s neuroticism score and their Locus of Control orientation. This study looked at the neuroticism levels and the type of Locus of Control for college students. Participants’ neuroticism levels were measured using selected items from the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI/BFPI), and their Locus of Control orientation was measured using selected items from Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive correlational relationship between an individual’s neuroticism score and their percentage of external Locus of Control. Subsequently, it was expected that lower levels of neuroticism will correlate with higher levels of an internal Locus of Control. Participants were aged 18-25 and were attending a private Christian university in Southeast Michigan.