Abstract
M.A.
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between Locus of Control, Individualism/Collectivism and Sense of Coherence between two groups of participants by using three measures. The study will also investigate the significance of the relationship between Locus of Control and the Individualism/Collectivism, and between Sense of Coherence and Locus of Control. The motivation for the study stems from a question regarding how cultural perceptual style interacts with personality traits to influence a person's Sense of Coherence. A further question faced by all South Africans, regards how one adapts to the cultural changes being experienced in the country, while at the same time maintaining a sense of self·identity. While there are many possible questions, this study will focus on investigating the interaction between the three constructs of Sense of Coherence. Locus of Control, and Individualism/Collectivism.
The three core constructs of Sense of Coherence. Locus of Control, and Individualism/Collectivism are defined as follows:
•
Antonovsky (1987) defines Sense of Coherence as a global orientation that expresses the extent
to which one has a pervasive. enduring though dynamic feeling of confidence as a function of
one's sense of comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness.
•
Locus of Control refers to a generalised disposition. acquired from past experience, to believe
that rewards either are, or are not, controllable by a person's own efforts. Such that those who
are externally oriented hold the view that their success is due to factors outside their control such as chance and luck while internally oriented persons attribute success to their personal effort and ability.
• Individualism and Collectivism are cultural perceptual styles which indicate whether individuals acts largely for their self interests, or in regard for collective group harmony.