The Relationship between Locus of Control and Resistance in a Simulated Prisoner of War Compound
Abstract
This research effort examined the relationship between an individual's perceived Locus of Control (LOC) and his resistance and risk taking behavior in a simulated prisoner of war (POW) compound. The Collins modification of Rotters I-E scale was used to measure perceived LOC. An additional question investigated was whether a unidimensional subscale of the Collin's instrument would more accurately predict compliance and risk-taking behavior under duress than the total instrument. The subjects were drawn from a population of Naval officers and enlisted men undergoing the Navy's West Coast Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Course. Cross-validation and control samples were also utilized. Internals were able to resist the demands of interrogators to a greater extent than externals and internals attempted more escapes than externals. A personal subscale of the LOC instrument provided better prediction of performance than did the total instrument. These results were substantiated in a cross-validation study and the implications of these results to SERE training were discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA058122
Entities
People
- Charles W. Hutchins Jr.
- Melvyn A. Estey Jr
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center