Exploring the Relationship between Locus of Control and Personal Growth Initiative among Adolescents

Description

Page: 566-570

Ghazala Shahina (A.S. College, Bikramganj (a Constituent Unit of VKSU, Ara), Rohtas, Bihar)

Adolescence is a critical period of development where individuals form key aspects of their identity and make important strides toward personal growth. Personal growth initiative (PGI) is the proactive and deliberate effort a person makes to enhance their personal development, involving abilities like setting goals, engaging in self-reflection, and practicing self-regulation. Locus of control (LOC) can significantly impact a range of psychological and behavioral outcomes. However, its relationship with personal growth initiative -particularly in adolescence, when individuals are actively shaping their futures-remains underexplored. Understanding how adolescents” perceptions of control influence their proactive engagement in personal development can provide valuable insight into fostering resilience, autonomy, and growth during this formative stage. Therefore, the aim of the current investigation was (I) To examine the relationship between LOC and PGI; and (II) To explore the critical predictors of personal growth initiative among adolescents. 100 school-going students were taken through a convenience sampling technique. The data was gathered using the Personal Growth Initiative Scale (PGI-II) developed in 2012 and Levenson’s Locus of Control Scale (1973). Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient and regression analysis were applied to analyze the data. The findings of the study revealed a positive association between internal LOC and PGI among adolescents. Moreover, findings also revealed that internal LOC and powerful other dimensions of LOC emerged as a critical predictor of PGI among adolescents. Consequently, these findings emphasize the interplay of internal and external psychological factors in shaping adolescents’ overall PGI. Educators, parents, and counselors can draw on these insights to cultivate a proactive attitude toward personal development in young individuals.