Locus of Control as a Life-Span Developmental Process: Revision of the Construct

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Abstract
This paper critiques the theoretical foundation of the locus of control construct from a life-span developmental perspective. It is argued that the locus of control construct, as currently used, does not reflect a life-span developmental perspective due to its lack of congruence with basic principles of developmental interactionism. This incongruence is exemplified in three interrelated areas: (1) the meaning and representation of the "psychological situation", (2) the conceptualization and treatment of the time continuum (e.g. age), and (3) the nature and utilization of interactionism. Revision is advocated in order to increase the validity of the locus of control construct within a life-span developmental orientation. Revision is also advocated in order to increase the conceptual clarity of this popular yet elusive construct. The paper concludes with a discussion of suggested revisions which include a life-span concept of situations, the concept of qualitative changes in perceived control, and a transactional meaning to interactionism with a dialectic role for individuals.