The effect of early labor market experience upon internal-external locus of control among young male workers

This study examined the influence of some personal and labor market factors on changes in internal-external control among young male workers. Utilizing 960 respondents from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Labor Market Experience's national sample for young men, multiple regression analysis, and an abbreviated version of the Rotter Internal-External Control Scale, this study found that labor market success, race, and employment in the private sector enhance feelings of internal control during the transition between school and work.This paper is a revision of several parts of the author's doctoral dissertation at Washington State University. Financial assistance was provided by the Richard D. Irwin Foundation and the Center for Public Economics at San Diego State University.Received Ph.D. in economics from Washington State University. Major interests are development of human resources and the effects of attitudes on decision making and economic behavior.