Locus of Control as a Mediator of the Relationships Between Motivational Systems and Trait Anxiety
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 13675259 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Hande Kaynak (0000-0001-8611-5789, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Çankaya University, Ankara, Turkey, corresponding author), Aysu Turan (Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Çankaya University, Ankara, Turkey), Yağmur Demir (0000-0002-8204-2401, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Çankaya University, Ankara, Turkey) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 127 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 1533-1560 |
| Publication date | 2022-11-15 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Psychological Reports (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0033-2941 • E-ISSN: 1558-691X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/00332941221139707 |
| PMID | 36377649 |
| OpenAlex | W4309099061 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
| References cited | 83 |
The Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, first proposed by Gray and later revised, describes three motivational systems: Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS), Behavioral Activation System (BAS), and Fight-Flight-Freeze System (FFFS). Studies have shown that high BIS and FFFS activation are positively related to anxiety symptoms, yet the relationship between BAS and anxiety remains unclear. Research data have also suggested that anxiety symptoms occur with the loss of perceived control. Thus, although studies on the direct effect of locus of control (LOC) on trait anxiety have accumulated for many years, the issue of how LOC may mediate the relationship between BIS/BAS/FFFS sensitivity and anxiety has not been addressed. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of LOC orientation on trait anxiety among young adults in association with these three motivational systems. Cross-sectional data were obtained from 422 volunteers. The BIS/BAS Scale, Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Rotter's Internal-External LOC Scale were applied. A series of mediation analyses were performed to estimate total, indirect, and direct effects. The results showed that BIS and FFFS positively predicted trait anxiety. In addition, LOC positively predicted trait anxiety and BIS. The results of the mediation analyses indicated that LOC functioned as a partial mediator between BIS and trait anxiety. This finding revealed that a high BIS level, one of the motivational systems, was associated with external LOC, which in turn contributed to reporting high trait anxiety in young adults. Hence, BIS and external LOC orientation could be suggested as risk factors for trait anxiety. As the external LOC orientation of individuals with high punishment sensitivity increased, their trait anxiety levels also increased. Therefore, it was suggested that it might be useful to be aware that LOC orientations of individuals with BIS sensitivity may pose a risk for trait anxiety
Anxiety · Anxiety sensitivity · Behavioral Activation · Cognition · Developmental psychology · Locus of control · Mediation · Psychiatry · Trait · Trait anxiety · Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Clinical Psychology · Mental Health Research Topics · Psychology
Self-Efficacy and Locus of Control When Facing Listening Challenges
The reinforcement sensitivity theory affects questionnaire (RST-AQ). A validation study of a new scale targeting affects related to anxiety, approach motivation and fear
Who is concerned about digitalization? The role of digital literacy and exposure across 30 countries
Augmenting self-guided virtual-reality exposure therapy for social anxiety with biofeedback
A two-dimensional neuropsychology of defense
Threat and Defense
The Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ)
Sample-Size Planning for More Accurate Statistical Power
Précis of The neuropsychology of anxiety
Theory and Research on Anxiety
Gray's Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory as a framework for research on personality–psychopathology associations
Reliability and validity of the revised fear survey schedule for children (FSSC-R)
The psychophysiological basis of introversion-extraversion
Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement.
Asymptotic and resampling strategies for assessing and comparing indirect effects in multiple mediator models
Perceived Behavioral Control, Self‐Efficacy, Locus of Control, and the Theory of Planned Behavior 1
Mind, Body and Wellbeing
The effects of locus of control and anxiety on verbal conditioning 1
Locus of control, test anxiety, reactions to frustration, and achievement attitudes1
Locus of Control and Trait Anxiety in Aged Adults
Coping with stress and trait anxiety in terms of locus of control
Associated Factors of Psychological Symptoms Among Unemployed Turkish Adults
Relationship between Locus of Control and Maladaptive Fears
Beyond Baron and Kenny
Perspectives on anxiety and impulsivity
Behavioral inhibition, behavioral activation, and affective responses to impending reward and punishment
Relationship between locus of control and anxiety
Some problems and misconceptions related to the construct of internal versus external control of reinforcement
Cultural meaning of perceived control
Does Locus of Control Influence Parentification and Anxiety in Father-Daughter Relationships
| Citations per year | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2024 - 2026 (3) |
| Highly cited | No |