Self-esteem and internal versus external control among black youth in a summer aviation program.

Changes in self-esteem and belief in internal versus external control of reinforcement (skill versus chance) were investigated among 24 black male and female youngsters, aged 12 through 19, and from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations. Age, socioeconomic status, geographical location, and achievement in flight training were varied. Results showed significant gains in self-esteem by Ss under 16 years of age (p smaller than .05) and Ss from middle income families (p smaller than .005). There was no significant change in belief in internal versus external control among any of the subgroups.