Perceived locus of control experienced control and depression: a trait description of the learned helplessness model of depression.

This study examined a personality-trait approach to the learned helplessness model of depression. Alcoholics were assigned to four groups based upon differential scores on Rotter's Locus of Control and Tiffany's Experienced Control Scales. Analysis of scores on the Beck Depression Inventory and the MMPI D scale indicated that Ss who reported that they had experienced minimal control over stressful events were significantly more depressed than Ss who reported relatively high levels of control. No significant locus of control effect was found. A significant interaction was obtained, which indicated that those Ss with an external locus of control and who experienced minimal control were significantly more depressed than thtical and empirical similarity between the present results and the learned helplessness model are discussed.