Locus of Control as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Hope and Happiness

Abstract

People are pursuing happiness. Being hopeful is thought to make them happy. Locus of control (LOC) is one’s degree of belief in control over their life outcomes (such as fate vs. action), and is supposed to affect happiness too. This study aimed to examine whether the locus of control (LOC) and hope predicted happiness among the Nepali sample and if the locus of control mediated the relationship between hope and happiness. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by making a convenience sample of 334 persons (Mage=26.4 years) in Nepal. Participants filled out the Adult Hope Scale, Subjective Happiness Scale, and Internal-External Locus of Control Short Scale–4, along with 1-item measures of belief in fate/action, and hopefulness, and a socio demographic questionnaire. Internal locus of control (ILOC)/belief in fate and hope positively predicted happiness. External locus of control (ELOC) negatively predicted it. Belief in action could not significantly predict happiness. Internal and external LoC mediated the relationship between hope and happiness partially. Locus of control and hope are determinants of happiness in one’s life. ILOC increases happiness and ELOC decreases it. Hope directly affects happiness but it also affects happiness through ILOC and ELOC. The mediation effect of the internal locus is more than that of the external locus of control.