NCJ Number
186936
Journal
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: 2000 Pages: 63-73
Date Published
2000
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article assesses the differences in locus of control among drinking driving offenders (DWI) compared to non-drinking drivers. The study used Rotter's Internal External Locus of Control Scale (I-E) and the Drinking Related Locus of Control Scale (DRIE).
Abstract
DWI offenders demonstrated higher external scores on both measures, but on the DRIE, more internality was found for both groups. A total of 109 participants completed two questionnaires. The DWI group's questionnaire included demographic questions and items pertaining to the type of driving offense they committed. The non-DWI group's questionnaire included demographic questions and questions regarding any prior drinking and driving behavior or DWI offenses. The study supported the hypotheses that DWI offenders will have higher external scores on the DRIE, and will also have higher external scores on the I-E scale. The DWI group scores on the DRIE were indicative of an internal locus of control, especially when compared to prior studies with both inpatient and outpatient samples. The study may have important implications for assessment and treatment of DWI offenders, e.g., a better understanding of how DWI offenders attribute responsibility for the DWI offense. The article suggests that different types of external related therapies be studied in order to determine whether locus of control attributions could play an important role in treating DWI offenders. Tables, references