Locus of control and coping methods used by battered women
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Abstract
The relationship between battered women’s locus of control beliefs (as measured by Rotter’s Internal-External Locus of Control Scale) and the coping methods they use to handle stress was examined. The Jalowiec Coping Scale was used to measure coping behavior of 29 of the women who were seeking refuge at a shelter for abused women. The subjects were divided into two groups based on their I-E scores; 12 scored in the internal range (≤10), while 17 scored in the external range (≥11). Results indicate that there was no significant difference in the way internals and externals handled stress. Both groups used a combination of problem-solving and affective (regulation of emotion) coping strategies. Maintaining control was important for both groups, as was worrying, hoping, praying, and eating. Using drugs was the least used coping strategy.