Two major purposes existed for this study. The first purpose was to compare how persisters and nonpersisters in the first year of a two-year nursing program differed in locus of control, selected personality traits, and seven demographic variables. The second major purpose was to develop a predictive model for the persisters and the nonpersisters. The particular personality variables examined were intelligence, superego strength, extraversion, anxiety, tough poise, and independence as measured by the 16PF. The summary findings were that persisters had significantly higher scores on the NDRT and the B and G traits, significantly lower externality, and were generally younger with no previous nursing experience, and more likely not to have prekindergarten age children than the nonpersisters. The major significance of this research comes from its use of data gathered at the beginning of an educational program to make predictions which can be available to teachers, counselors, and administrators who may make use of the information to improve the chance potential nonpersisters have of completing the nursing program, or perhaps to assist students in reexamination of their career choice.

Submitted by Maurício Chikitani (mauricio.chikitani@gmail.com) on 2015-05-05T12:12:27Z No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_abnt.pdf: 585315 bytes, checksum: 483f7c0bad34b15345e4103192a166aa (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Suzinei Teles Garcia Garcia (suzinei.garcia@fgv.br) on 2015-05-05T12:20:03Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_abnt.pdf: 585315 bytes, checksum: 483f7c0bad34b15345e4103192a166aa (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-05T13:02:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_abnt.pdf: 585315 bytes, checksum: 483f7c0bad34b15345e4103192a166aa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-04-29 / Eu analiso o papel que a interação entre pares tem na determinação do Locus de Controle, uma medida de quão pessoalmente responsável as pessoas se sentem com relação a diferentes aspectos de suas vidas. Eu estabeleço identificação através de variação no tamanho do grupo e de variáveis instrumentais baseadas na estrutura de painel dos dados. Eu estudo a questão no contexto escolar, utilizando os dados de alunos no Ensino Fundamental de um município brasileiro, que inclui o questionário de Tel Aviv de Locus de Controle. Minhas estimativas não apresentam sinais de peer effects endógenos ou contextuais. / I analyze the role of peer interaction in the determination of the Locus of Control, a measure of how personally responsible people feel about their life affairs. Identification is established using group size variation and instrumental variables based on the panel structure of the data. I study this question on an educational setup, using Middle School data in a Brazilian municipality that includes the Tel Aviv Locus of Control questionnaire. My estimates show no sign of endogenous nor contextual peer effects.

The primary objectives of this study were to determine the relationship between the wellness constructs coping and SoC as well as the relationship between the wellness constructs LoC and SoC in the petrochemical industry in South Africa. The sample of 184 participants completed three different psychological concepts namely COPE (Hereinafter referred to as coping), Locus of Control Inventory and Sense of Coherence Scale. The results of the study indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship between the variables coping ad Soc as well SoC and LoC but no statistically significant relationship between the variables coping and LoC. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)

Employees in the workplace face many challenges that cause stress. Despite these stresses many cope and remain positive. This study investigated positive psychological functioning among civil servants and explored how they functioned despite stressors in the work environment. The constructs of locus of control, sense of coherence, engagement and their relationship to the burnout construct (viewed as the opposite end of the wellness continuum) were used to examine this behaviour. Results showed that high sense of coherence, locus of control and engagement scores resulted in low burnout scores. Internal control and meaningfulness were found to be significant predictors of engagement. Employees will therefore be engaged in their work only if and when they display and/or are allowed to exhibit emotional meaningfulness in their work and their relationships, and when they behave and make decisions from an internal motivation. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / MA (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the relationship between locus of control (measured by the Locus of Control Inventory), work engagement (measured by the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale) and sense of coherence (measured by the Orientation to Life Questionnaire); (2) determine whether coping and non-coping individuals (measured by a coping scale) differ significantly regarding these variables, and (3) the strategies they employ to deal with change in their lives (determined by means of structured interviews). A survey design, and correlational and inferential statistical procedures were used to achieve the quantitative research objectives. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse and interpret the research data obtained from the open-ended questions on coping strategies. A convenience sample (n = 69) of individuals employed in the manufacturing sector participated in the study. The quantitative results revealed a significant relationship between the three variables and that copers and non-copers differ significantly regarding their coping. The qualitative data analysis indicated that copers and non-copers differ in terms of the coping strategies they employ to deal with change. The study represents original research which contributes new knowledge and insights for organisational employee wellness practices aimed at helping employees cope more positively with organisational change in the South African organisational context. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Submitted by Maria Suzana Diniz (msuzanad@hotmail.com) on 2015-11-09T12:32:47Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1303304 bytes, checksum: 33ba8f9a576e8914a5915254673c5f79 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-11-09T12:32:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1303304 bytes, checksum: 33ba8f9a576e8914a5915254673c5f79 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-12-15 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The study of vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases seeks at understanding the different risks that any individual has of getting contaminated, due to individual and social characteristics that can be relevant to a greater exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Based on this premise, grounded on the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Theory of Control Locus, and the Vulnerability Model, two studies were conducted. Study 1 aimed at carrying out a survey about women’s beliefs about masculine preservative use by the partner. Study 2 aimed at investigating the behavior intention of women toward preservative use. Results from Study 1, based on a convenience sample of 35 women from low socioeconomic status in the city of João Pessoa, demonstrated behavioral beliefs regarding the advantages of using preservative, highlighting the knowledge of its contraceptive role and its function for preventing sexually transmitted diseases. Nevertheless, disadvantages were also mentioned, such as being uncomfortable and reducing pleasure when the partner uses preservative. As positive model references for preservative use, they mentioned family and doctors, and as negatives, friends and partner. Based on the results of the first study, an instrument was developed and answered by 244 women, comprising Study 2, which had as independent variables Indirect Attitudes, Direct Attitudes, Subjective Norm and Perceived Control, and as dependent variable, the Intention of using preservative. It was observed that the variable Perceived Control (β= .43) was the main responsible for the explained variance of the intention of preservative use, followed by the dimension Subjective Norm (β = .30). Direct Attitude (β= .15) had a good significance level, but small explanatory power. Moreover, it was verified that most women who declared using contraceptive pills declared safe sex is practiced “sometimes”. On the other hand, most of the women who do not make use of contraceptive pills declared that they “always” use preservative. Significant correlations between the four dimensions of locus of control and behavior intentions were not found. These results can be considered a reference for studies and interventions about the importance of preservative use in sexual relations. / O estudo da vulnerabilidade às doenças sexualmente transmissíveis busca entender as diferentes chances que todo e qualquer indivíduo tem de se contaminar, decorrente de características individuais e sociais que podem ser relevantes para uma maior exposição ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). Com base nessa premissa, fundamentados na Teoria do Comportamento Planejado, na Teoria do Lócus de Controle e no Modelo da Vulnerabilidade, desenvolveu-se dois estudos. O Estudo 1 teve como principal objetivo realizar um levantamento das crenças de mulheres acerca do uso do preservativo masculino pelo parceiro. Já no Estudo 2, o objetivo principal foi investigar a intenção comportamental de mulheres quanto ao uso do preservativo. Os resultados do Estudo 1, a partir de amostra por conveniência formada por 35 mulheres, de classe social menos favorecida, da cidade de João Pessoa, apontaram crenças comportamentais acerca das vantagens do uso do preservativo evidenciando o conhecimento acerca do papel contraceptivo e a função de evitar doenças sexualmente transmissíveis. Não obstante, como desvantagem, ressaltaram incômodo e a diminuição do prazer quando o parceiro utiliza o preservativo. Como referentes modais positivos para o uso de preservativo, foram citados a família e os médicos, enquanto como referentes modais negativos, foram referidos os amigos e o parceiro. A partir dos resultados do primeiro estudo, foi construído um instrumento aplicado em 244 mulheres, constituindo o Estudo 2, que teve como variáveis independentes as Atitude Indireta, Atitude Direta, Normas Subjetivas e Controle Percebido e, como variável dependente, a Intenção do uso do preservativo. Observou-se que a variável Controle Percebido (β= 0,43, p < 0,01) foi o principal responsável pela explicação da variância da intenção de uso do preservativo, seguida da dimensão Norma Subjetiva (β = 0,30, p < 0,01). A Atitude Direta (β= 0,15, p < 0,01) obteve nível de significância bom, porém com baixo poder de explicação. Adicionalmente, verificou-se que a maioria das mulheres que declaram fazer uso da pílula anticoncepcional afirmam a prática do sexo seguro “às vezes”. Por outro lado, a maioria das mulheres que não usam pílula relatam que faz uso do preservativo “sempre”. Não foram observadas correlações consideráveis entre as quatro dimensões de lócus de controle e a intenção comportamental. Estes resultados podem ser considerados como mais uma referência para estudos e intervenções sobre a importância do uso de preservativo nas relações sexuais.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T13:53:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JoaoMO_DISSERT.pdf: 668942 bytes, checksum: f54d85b828cc53f2dae477cc05bc9551 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-09-10 / Entrepreneurs are individuals who can transform economic and social realities by promoting development, so it became important tools in generating externalities in regions where they operate. In Brazil, 59.9% of new ventures do not reach the fourth year of life, the mortality rate of new ventures is high. The causes of mortality are numerous, and within the behavioral aspects, one is the locus of control. This study determines the degree of association between internal locus of control and achieving business success of entrepreneurs in Rio Grande do Norte who participated in the workshop EMPRETEC. The approach that studies the behavior entrepreneurs agreed that there are psychological characteristics associated with a set of values, attitudes and needs that determine the behavior and induce the entrepreneur to achieve success. Among these features is the locus of control, a skill that individuals must identify in their actions, or lack of them, the causes of their successes and failures. The locus is external when the individual attributes to factors outside themselves as causes of their results, and is built in when you can identify the actions that led to success. We surveyed 223 entrepreneurs statewide who answered the questionnaire for assessing the scale of locus of control, selfassessment questionnaire of entrepreneurial characteristics of EMPRETEC and a questionnaire assessing the business success. 71.9% were identified as having success. Among the behavioral characteristics strongest in the group of entrepreneurs are setting goals and commitment. Was found for locus of control mean value of 7.35, confidence interval between 7.05 and 7.66. Showing that the locus of control group is predominantly internal. We also found a correlation between the locus and commitment, between setting goals and commitment; calculated risks and information search; search of information and commitment, and between commitment and independence and self confidence. Dependence was not identified among the set of features and business success, determining the absence of an ideal profile. However, logistic regression significant association was found indicating that the smaller the individual's locus of control increased the likelihood of it achieving business success / Os empreendedores s?o indiv?duos que podem transformar realidades econ?micas e sociais promovendo desenvolvimento, por isto tornaram-se pe?as importantes na gera??o de externalidades nas regi?es onde atuam. No Brasil 59,9% dos novos empreendimentos n?o chegam ao quarto ano de vida, esta taxa de mortalidade de novos empreendimentos ? alta. As causas a mortalidade s?o in?meras, e dentro dos aspectos comportamentais, uma delas ? o locus de controle. Este estudo determina o grau de associa??o entre o locus de controle interno e a obten??o de efetividade empresarial em empreendedores do Rio Grande do Norte que participaram do workshop EMPRETEC. A abordagem que estuda os comportamentos empreendedores preconiza que existem caracter?sticas psicol?gicas associadas a um conjunto de valores, atitudes e necessidades que determinam o comportamento e induzem o empreendedor ? obten??o de efetividade. Dentre estas caracter?sticas est? o locus de controle, capacidade que os indiv?duos t?m de identificar em suas a??es, ou na aus?ncia delas, as causas de seus sucessos e fracassos. O locus ? externo quando o indiv?duo atribui a fatores fora de si como causas de seus resultados, e ? interno quando consegue identificar dentro si as a??es que o conduziram ao sucesso. Foram pesquisados 223 empreendedores em todo estado que responderam o question?rio de avalia??o da escala do locus de controle, o question?rio de autoavalia??o das caracter?sticas empreendedoras do EMPRETEC e um question?rio de avalia??o da efetividade empresarial. 71,9% deles foram identificados como tendo efetividade. Dentre as caracter?sticas comportamentais mais fortes no grupo de empreendedores est?o o estabelecimento de metas e o comprometimento. Foi encontrado para o locus de controle o valor m?dio de 7,35, com intervalo de confian?a entre 7,05 e 7,66. Mostrando que o locus de controle do grupo ? predominantemente interno. Tamb?m foi encontrada correla??o entre o locus e comprometimento; entre estabelecimento de metas e comprometimento; correr riscos calculados e busca de informa??es; busca de informa??es e comprometimento; e entre o comprometimento e independ?ncia e autoconfian?a. N?o foi identificada depend?ncia entre o conjunto das caracter?sticas e a efetividade empresarial, determinando assim a n?o exist?ncia de um perfil ideal. No entanto, atrav?s de regress?o log?stica significante foi encontrada associa??o que indica que quanto menor o locus de controle do individuo maior a probabilidade dele alcan?ar a efetividade empresarial

The purpose of the investigation was to determine the effectiveness of Zen meditation practice in facilitating positive change on the personality variables time competence, inner direction, locus of control, and field independence, as well as to investigate the subjective experiences of novice meditators. Two population groups were included in the study: a student group and a clinical group. The student-population group consisted of forty-six undergraduate college students. The student subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: experimental group (Zen meditation group taught to focus attention on the breath, as well as a formal Zen posture), placebo group (formal Zen posture only), or control group (no treatment). The clinical-population group consisted of thirty-seven in-patient volunteers from the alcoholic-drug unit of a psychiatric state hospital. The clinical subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (Zen meditation group which practiced focused attention on the breath, as well as a formal Zen meditation posture) or a control group (no treatment).

Sentimento de impotência é um conceito aceito como um foco clínico da prática de enfermagem. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: desenvolver e testar uma medida de sentimento de impotência para pacientes adultos; verificar se o sentimento de impotência é um construto distinto do de locus de controle e analisar a associação entre sentimento de impotência e locus de controle. Os itens foram desenvolvidos a partir das dimensões do modelo de impotência de White, Roberts (1993) e das características definidoras de impotência, segundo a North American Nursing Diagnosis Association. A validade de conteúdo foi afirmada para 23 itens pelo julgamento de seis juízes, segundo critérios estabelecidos por Pasquali (1998). Teste de inteligibilidade foi realizado com 25 pacientes e 21 itens foram retidos. O instrumento foi testado com 210 pacientes adultos de unidades médico-cirúrgicas para seleção de itens, confiabilidade e validade. Pela análise de itens, nove deles foram descartados. Os 12 itens remanescentes foram testados quanto à confiabilidade e à validade. Três subescalas geradas pela análise fatorial (Capacidade de Realizar Comportamentos, Capacidade de Tomar Decisões e Resposta Emocional ao Controle das Situações) não confirmaram o modelo de White, Roberts e demonstraram consistência interna entre 0,58 e 0,85. O alfa total foi 0,80. Estimativas iniciais de validade de critério e de construto foram obtidas com associações entre o instrumento desenvolvido e uma afirmação geral sobre a percepção de controle (p<0,000) e correlação daquele com escores de internalidade gerados a partir dos escores na Escala de Locus de Controle na Saúde (p=-0,33). Os itens da escala de Locus de Controle na Saúde foram bem discriminados dos itens de sentimento de impotência pela análise fatorial, sugerindo conceitos distintos. Com refinamento o instrumento de Medida do Sentimento de Impotência para pacientes adultos servirá de base para avaliar essa resposta psicossocial, definir e apreciar intervenções clínicas propostas para melhorar o conforto emocional de pacientes adultos. / Powerlessness is a concept accepted as clinical focus of nursing practice. The aims of this study were: to develop and test a measure of powerlessness in adult patients; to verify whether powerlessness is a construct distinct from locus of control and to analyse the association between powerlessness and locus of control. Items were developed from the powerless dimensions of the White, Roberts (1993) model and from the defining characteristics of powerlessness according to the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (2002, 2003). Content validity was supported for 23 itens through the rating of six experts following criteria established by Pasquali (1998). Intelligibility test was performed in 25 patients and 21 items were retained. The instrument was tested with 210 adult patients of medical-surgical wards for item selection, reliability and validity. Through item analysis nine items were discarded. The remaining 12 items were tested for reliability and validity. Three subscales generated by factor analysis (Ability to Perform Behaviors, Ability to Make Decisions and Emotional Responses to Personal Control) did not confirm the White, Roberts model, and demonstrated internal consistency ranging from .58 to .85. Total scale alpha was .80. Initial estimates of criterion-related and construct validity were documented with associations between the developed measure and a general statement on personal control perception (p<.000), and correlation with internality scores generated from scores on Health Locus of Control Scale (p=-.33).Items of Health Locus of Control were well discriminated from the powerlessness items through factor analysis, suggesting they are distinct concepts. With refinement the Measure of Powerlessness for Adult Patients will provide a basis for assessing this psychosocial response, definition and evaluating clinical interventions designed to enhance the emotional comfort of adult patients.

A adolescência é um período de vulnerabilidade para comportamentos de risco. Devido às mudanças físicas e psicológicas da puberdade, a necessidade de experimentar o novo e início do comportamento sexual, o adolescente está mais vulnerável a aquisição de comportamentos como fumar, beber e ter comportamento sexual desprotegido. Para promover a saúde e aumentar a competência psicossocial dos adolescentes, a Organização Mundial de Saúde preconiza o Ensino de Habilidades de Vida. Este programa consiste no ensino de dez habilidades (emocionais, cognitivas e sociais) que aumentam a capacidade dos jovens adotarem comportamentos positivos e adaptativos no cotidiano. São elas: autoconhecimento, lidar com emoções e estresse, comunicação eficaz, relacionamento interpessoal, empatia, pensamento crítico, pensamento criativo, tomada de decisão e resolução de problemas. A literatura aponta que o conjunto dessas habilidades promove a saúde dos adolescentes e previne comportamentos de risco. Este estudo tem o objetivo é avaliar os efeitos do programa Ensino de Habilidades de Vida entre adolescentes vinculados a instituições profissionalizantes, sobre os comportamentos de risco e o locus de controle. Participaram 45 adolescentes de duas instituições no município de Ribeirão Preto, com 24 e 21 participantes em cada uma delas. A faixa etária situava-se entre 14 e 17 anos e 11 meses, a população era predominantemente do sexo masculino e a maioria estudante. Formaram-se oito grupos, quatro por instituição, durante os anos de 2003 e 2004, com média de seis participantes cada. Foram realizados 16 encontros, com freqüência semanal e duração de uma hora e meia em uma, e uma hora na outra instituição. Para avaliar a intervenção, no 4º e 15º encontros foram aplicados dois questionários, um sobre comportamentos de risco para a saúde e a escala de Locus de Controle de Levenson. No 16º encontro, foi realizada uma entrevista em grupo. Do 5º ao 14º encontros foram desenvolvidas as habilidades de vida, uma por encontro. A metodologia utilizada foi interativa e participativa, através de jogos, dramatizações e discussões. As variáveis dependentes eram: comportamentos de risco para o tabaco, álcool, drogas ilícitas, sexo desprotegido, locus de controle e o relato dos participantes sobre os efeitos do programa no cotidiano. Os resultados quantitativos, em ambas as instituições, não demonstraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre pré e pós intervenção nos dois instrumentos. A prevalência de uso na vida para o beber e fumar apresentaram-se acima da média nacional. Diminuíram os episódios de beber excessivo e aumentaram as respostas sobre o beber moderado, de 1 a 2 doses por ocasião. Os resultados qualitativos demonstraram que as habilidades de vida relacionadas ao autocontrole ajudam diante de situações de estresse na família, com amigos, na escola e com parceiros. Com relação aos comportamentos de risco, as habilidades mais frequentemente associadas foram tomada de decisão e pensamento crítico. Conclui-se que a aprendizagem cognitiva sobre como utilizar as habilidades de vida pode facilitar respostas mais ajustadas em situações futuras. Nos relatos observa-se mudanças de comportamento como pausar antes de agir, refletir antes de decidir, ouvir com atenção e adotar comportamentos saudáveis para lidar com o estresse. / Adolescence is a period of vulnerabilities for risk behaviors. Because of the physical and psychological changes in puberty, the need to seek novelties and the beginning of sexual behavior, the adolescent is left more vulnerable to begin behaviors like smoking, drinking and having unprotected sex. To promote health and increase the adolescent psychosocial competence, the World Health Organization recommends a program of Life Skills Training. This program consists of ten skills (emotional, cognitive and social) that increase the ability of the youth to adopt positive and adaptive behaviors when confronted with quotidian situations. They are: self-knowledge, dealing with emotions and with stress, effective communication, interpersonal relationships, empathy, critical thought, creative thought, taking decisions and problem resolutions. The literature shows that this group of skills promotes health among adolescents and prevents risk behaviors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a program of Life Skills Training on risk behavior and Locus of Control among adolescents who attend a professionalizing institution. Forty five adolescents from two institutions in the city of Ribeirão Preto participated in this study, the institutions having 24 and 21 participants respectively. Their ages were between 14 and 17 and 11 months, the population was mostly masculine and the majority was students. They were divided into 8 groups, 4 from each institution, during the years 2003 and 2004, with the mean of 6 participants per group. Sixteen meetings were held, one per week, with durations of one and half hours at one institution and one hour at the other. To evaluate the intervention, at the 4th and 15th meeting two questionnaires were used, one about risk behavior for health and the other a scale of Locus of Control from Levenson. At the 16th meeting a group interview was conducted. Between the 5th and the 14th meeting the Life Skills were developed at the rate of one per meeting. The methodology used was interactive and participative, using games, role-plays and discussions. The dependent variables were: risk behavior for tobacco use, alcohol use, illicit drugs, unprotected sex, Locus of Control and the report of the participants about the effects of the program in their quotidian. The quantitative outcomes, in both institutions, didnt show statistical significant difference between pre and post intervention for any of the instruments. The prevalence of life use for drinking and smoking were above the national mean. Episodes of excessive drinking decreased while responses to moderate drinking increased, about 1 to 2 per occasion. The qualitative results showed that the Life Skills related to self control helped when confronted with stress situations within the family, between friends, in the school and between partners. With relation to risk behaviors, the skills more associated were decision making and critical thought. It was concluded that cognitive learning about how to use the life skills can facilitate responses more adjusted in future situations. In the reports it is possible to observe changes in behaviors such as pausing before acting, reflecting before deciding, an increase in attention span and the adopting of healthy behavior in dealing with stress.