Orientation of Locus of Control and Environmental Behavior in High School Students

고등학생들의 성별 조절점 방향 실태 및 환경 행동과의 관련성 조사

'Control of Locus of Reinforcement(LOCR)' is considered one of the main important factors on responsible environmental behaviors(REB). It is defined as 'an individual's perception of his or her ability to bring about change through his or her behavior'. This phychological construct is divided in two, external locus and internal locus. Internal locus of reinforcement is important as predictor for REB. Lately, 'The Environmental Action Internal Control Index:EAICI' was developed. It is a valid and reliable instrument to measure relationships of two variables. The purposes of this study were to analyse the orientation of LOCR in high school students and relations with LOCR to REB. By the results, EAICI scores of total students, males, females are 99.83, 95.10, 104.56, respectively. LOCR of females was stronger and more internal than one of males. The item scores for behaviors that reduce the amount of household trash by reusing and recycling and convince someone to do this are 4.31, 4.05, respectively. The item scores for behaviors that convince someone to sign a petition regarding on environmental issues, convince someone to reuse envelopes by putting a label over the old address and convince someone to keep car tires properly inflated are 3.09, 3.09, 3.04, respectively. It shows that EAICI scores are dependent upon the degree of the chances and experiences to meet the various environmental events.