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Locus of Control and Academic Engagement: Mediating Role of Religious Commitment

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Abstract

Earlier studies have shown that locus of control is related to academic processes and outcomes. However, the nature of the relationship between locus of control, religious commitment, and academic engagement is unclear. This study examined the mediating role of religious commitment in linking locus of control with academic engagement, as well as the engagement dimensions - vigour, dedication, and absorption. Four hundred and eight university students completed the Locus of Control Behaviour Scale, Religious Commitment Inventory and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale – Student version. Locus of control was found to be positively related to the outcome variables. Intrapersonal religious commitment was positively related to the outcome variables. Interpersonal religious commitment did not have a significant relationship with vigour and absorption but it was significantly related to dedication and the total scores of academic engagement. Structural equation modelling analyses indicated significant paths from locus of control to academic engagement through both intrapersonal religious commitment and interpersonal religious commitment. Locus of control and religious commitment are suggested to be relevant in programmes and interventions to enhance academic engagement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu, Enugu state, 41000, Nigeria

    JohnBosco Chika Chukwuorji

  2. Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Enugu state, 41000, Nigeria

    Ezichi Anya Ituma

  3. Department of Psychology, Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Enugu, Nigeria

    Lawrence Ejike Ugwu

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  1. JohnBosco Chika Chukwuorji
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  2. Ezichi Anya Ituma
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  3. Lawrence Ejike Ugwu
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Correspondence to JohnBosco Chika Chukwuorji.

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Chukwuorji, J.C., Ituma, E.A. & Ugwu, L.E. Locus of Control and Academic Engagement: Mediating Role of Religious Commitment. Curr Psychol 37, 792–802 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-016-9546-8

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