Locus of Control and Psychological Distress among Working Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The aim of the present study was to investigate relationship between locus of control and psychological distress among working women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A mixed method study was conducted among 81 working women in Bangalore identified through convenient and purposive sampling. In Phase 1, Levenson’s Locus of control Scale and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale were administered to measure the locus of control orientation and the level of psychological distress. In Phase 2, interviews were conducted based on open ended questions developed by the researchers to understand the perception of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on personal and professional life.
Pearson’s product moment correlation was used for Phase 1 and thematic and content analysis for Phase 2. The findings from Phase 1 revealed a moderate negative correlation between internal locus of control and psychological distress, and a weak negative correlation between external locus of control and psychological distress. The thematic analysis showed the variations in the perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 on the personal and professional lives and the adaptable nature of women.
The present study helps to understand whether a relationship exists between locus of control orientation and psychological distress during the time of COVID-19 and reflects on the how the COVID-19 has affected the personal and professional lives of working women.