Moderating role of locus of control in relationship between job stress and job involvement

Abstract

Based on the assumptions of the person-environment fit model suggesting a link between job stress and job involvement, this cross-sectional survey investigated the moderating role of locus of control in the relationship between job stress and job involvement among a sample of female secondary school teachers in Enugu State, Nigeria. One hundred (100) female secondary school teachers in Enugu State, Nigeria between the ages of 28 to 41 years (M = 34.10) participated in the study. They were selected for the study using multi-stage (cluster and purposive) sampling technique. The 40-item Locus of Control Inventory, 15-item Job-related Tension Scale, and 20-item Job Involvement Scale were completed by the participants. Moderated regression analysis showed that locus of control moderated the relationship between job stress and job involvement. The finding supports the view that stress arises not from the person or environment separately, but rather by their fit or congruence with one another. There is need for policy makers in the teaching/educational sector to consider locus of control in order to reduce job stress and enhance job involvement.