The relationship between locus of control, instrumental and expressive traits among nurses.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between locus of control and sex role orientation among nurses. Ninety-eight participants, working female registered nurses between the ages of 30 and 59, were placed into one of four sex type groups using scores on the Personal Attributes Questionnaire. The groups were then compared to each other using Rotter's Locus of Control Scale. Previous research findings had indicated that women in a traditional female occupation would be sex typed in role orientation and externally locused. The subjects in this study exhibited variability in locus of control and sex role orientation. Locus of control orientation was not related to sex role orientation. The implications of the results were discussed and directions for future research were considered.