The Relationship Between Locus of Control, Self-Efficacy, and Entitlement in the United States

Abstract

A small body of prior research that utilises a unidimensional conceptualisation of psychological entitlement suggests that individuals with a more internal locus of control and higher levels of self-efficacy tend to have lower levels of entitlement. However, prior research has not explored how locus of control and self-efficacy interact to predict entitlement using a multidimensional conceptualisation of entitlement. In the current quantitative research study, the researchers sought to explore the interaction between locus of control and general self-efficacy in predicting the multiple dimensions of psychological entitlement. A nationwide sample of 316 adult participants from the United States completed an anonymous survey measuring locus of control, self-efficacy, and entitlement. A hierarchical multiple regression indicated that general self-efficacy and locus of control significantly predict active and revenge entitlement, but there were no significant interactions between the predictor variables. Individuals with higher general self-efficacy demonstrated lower levels of active entitlement and higher levels of revenge entitlement. Individuals with a more external locus of control demonstrated lower levels of both active and revenge entitlement. No significant relationships were found for the traditional maladaptive conceptualisation of entitlement or passive entitlement.

Keywords

• psychological entitlement
• self-efficacy,
• locus of control
• personality psychology
• social psychology