Women in Recovery: Predictors of Internal and External Work Locus of Control

Abstract

Work locus of control (WLC) is an established construct that has predicted employment attainment, satisfaction, and outcomes. Studies of WLC in general populations have found internal locus to be positively associated with favorable work outcomes, while external locus of control is associated with high turnover. However, few studies have focused on WLC with either women or at-risk populations. The current study used a hierarchical multiple regression with demographics, self-esteem, and perceptions of barriers to employment to predict WLC in a nationwide sample of 151 women in recovery from substance abuse. Age and self-esteem were significant predictors of scores on WLC. The implications of these findings suggest that higher self-esteem predicts internal locus of control, and that there may be age-specific differences in WLC for women in recovery. Future research should be conducted to explore women, WLC, and age-specific correlates in order inform policies to help women in recovery obtain and retain employment.