Locus of control, learned helplessness, and control of heart rate using biofeedback.
Subjects were 24 male undergraduate students. False biofeedback was provided to give the impression of success or failure (helplessness) on a preliminary task. Authentic biofeedback was then provided for control of heart rate. Subjects were administered pre- and post-locus of control scales using Levenson's multidimensional scales. A significant relationship between locus of control and success or failure conditions added validity to Levenson's approach. Results and future research are discussed.
D001076:Aptitude; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D003216:Conditioning, Operant; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D012057:Reinforcement, Verbal