The interaction of biofeedback training and internal locus of control

Abstract

This study investigated interactions between internal locus of control and biofeedback training. A person who believes that he controls events in his life and that he is rewarded according to his efforts is said to be oriented toward internal locus of control. Null hypotheses were tested to determine whether positive correlations existed between internal locus of control pretest or posttest scores and changes in skin temperature attained during biofeedback training, and whether internality would increase for subjects receiving biofeedback training. Volunteer male college students from Texas A&M University served as subjects, with 31 experimentals receiving hand warming biofeedback training, relaxation practice, and Autogenic training. The control group contained 36 students. Experimental subjects attempted to increase the skin temperature of the palm of the right (or left) hand. Levenson's IPC (internal, Powerful Other, Chance) locus of control scale was administered as a pretest and as a posttest 8 weeks apart. No significant correlation was found between internal pretest scores and the maximum temperature change (positive or negative) achieved during the six trials, r=.2942, p> .05..