Is the locus of control a predictor and/or mediator of emotional dysregulation and psychopathological symptoms?

Leila Maria Ferreira Couto; Makilim Nunes Baptista

doi:10.22235/cp.v17i2.2850

Authors

Leila Maria Ferreira Couto Universidade São Francisco https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2004-1259
Makilim Nunes Baptista Universidade São Francisco https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6519-254X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22235/cp.v17i2.2850

Keywords:

locus of control, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, validity

Abstract

Locus of control has been highlighted as a variable related to mental health and well-being, as well as being indicated as a predictor for psychopathologies such as depression and anxiety. To verify these relationships, the aim of this study was to present two path analysis models related to the associations between locus of control, depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. A sample of 327 participants (M_age = 38.3 years, SD = 12.8), of both genders (Fem. = 75.2%), completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Locus of Control Scale (ELOCUS), the Baptista Depression Scale (EBADEP-A), the Emotional Dysregulation Scale (EDEA), and the Cognitive Anxiety Scale (ECOGA). Spearman correlations and path analyses were performed for the two proposed models. In the first model, the locus of control was a predictor of emotional dysregulation, symptoms of depression and anxiety. In the second model, the locus of control mediated the relationship between factors of emotional dysregulation (seeking strategies and pessimism) in relation to depression and anxiety. It was concluded that the locus of control is an important construct in the direct or indirect prediction of psychopathological symptoms.

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Author Biography

Makilim Nunes Baptista, Universidade São Francisco

Possui graduação em Psicologia pela Universidade São Judas Tadeu (1995), mestrado em Psicologia pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (1997) e doutorado pelo departamento de Psiquiatria e Psicologia Médica da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (2001). Atualmente é docente do Programa de Pós-graduação Stricto Sensu em Psicologia da Universidade São Francisco - Campinas; bolsista produtividade pelo CNPq; Coordenador do Laboratório de Avaliação Psicológica em Saúde Mental (LAPSAM-III) do Programa de Pós-graduação Stricto Sensu em Psicologia da Universidade São Francisco; Ex-presidente do Instituto Brasileiro de Avaliação Psicológica - IBAP; Membro do Grupo de Trabalho de Família da União Latino-Americana de Entidades de Psicologia (ULAPSI); Membro del Red Mundial Suicidólogos. Tem experiência na área de Psicologia, com ênfase em Avaliação Psicológica, Tratamento e Prevenção Psicológica, atuando principalmente nos seguintes temas: depressão, suporte familiar, suicídio, adolescentes e estresse.

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