An Examination of Locus of Control/Fatalism for Blacks, Whites, Boys, and Girls Over a Two-Year Period of Adolescence

Locus of control/fatalism was assessed for an adolescent sample during ages 11–17 and again from ages 13–19. It was hypothesized that blacks and girls would be more external than whites and boys both during early and late adolescence. Additionally, it was hypothesized that effect sizes would be greater during late adolescence. Results obtained partially supported these hypotheses. Girls were more external than boys only during late adolescence. However, blacks scored higher in externality than whites at both time periods and effect sizes were greater during late adolescence. These findings are discussed in terms of restricted opportunities and socialization differences for blacks and girls.