title: Locus of control, self-efficacy, and the mediating effect of outcome control: predicting course-level and global outcomes in an academic context.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The current study utilizes Skinner's framework to examine the unique contributions of internal locus of control, self-efficacy, and perceived outcome control over course performance on students' academic experiences.
  
  
  METHODS
  Undergraduate students (N = 225) took part in a longitudinal study and completed two surveys (Time 1: just before their mid-term exams; Time 2: just before their final exam in the same semester).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both locus of control and self-efficacy at Time 1 predicted course-level perceived control over course performance at Time 2. Student-level perceived control over course performance at Time 2 mediated the relationship between self-efficacy at Time 1 and course-level perseverance, course-specific stress, and course enjoyment at Time 2. For global perceived stress and life satisfaction measured at Time 2, both locus of control and self-efficacy at Time 1 had only a direct effect on global perceived stress at Time 2, but only self-efficacy at Time 1 predicted life satisfaction at Time 2.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both locus of control and self-efficacy uniquely contribute to students' academic experiences. Student-level perceived control plays an important mediating role between locus of control and self-efficacy at Time 1, and course-level perseverance, course-specific stress, and course enjoyment at Time 2.
authors.affiliation: a School of Social Sciences , Singapore Management University , 90 Stamford Road, Level 4, Singapore , 178903 Singapore.
authors.forename: Evelyn W M
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Au
mesh_terms: D004521:Educational Measurement; D000066498:Emotional Adjustment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011581:Psychological Tests; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: academics; life satisfaction; locus of control; outcome control; self-efficacy; stress