The role of locus of control in the relationship between spiritual well-being and satisfaction with life of those in early middle adulthood

Abstract

Middle adulthood is a pivotal phase in the life course of human development. Therefore, individuals in midlife need to function optimally, despite the challenges they are faced with for their own, their families’, and the well-being of society at large. Spiritual well-being has been demonstrated to have positive outcomes for the satisfaction with life of individuals in midlife. Literature points to locus of control being an important contributor in the relationship between spiritual well-being and satisfaction with life during adulthood. However, this contribution has not been reported for individuals in early midlife. Therefore, the current study aims to assess the possible role of locus of control in the relationship between spiritual well-being and satisfaction with life amongst individuals in early midlife. Data were collected from 110 South African adults aged 39–42 (M = 44.63), mainly women (66.4%). A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to assess whether locus of control mediates and or moderates the relationship between spiritual well-being and satisfaction with life among adults in early middle adulthood. The results revealed a moderator effect of locus of control on two spiritual well-being subscale scores (Transcendental- and Personal relationship) and satisfaction with life. Further investigation revealed that for the 25% participants with the highest external locus of control, a positive relationship at the 5% level (r = 0.49; p = .013) between personal relationship and life satisfaction was found. Therefore, an increase in personal relationships for those participants resulted in a significant increase in their satisfaction with life. Furthermore, for the 25% participants who had the highest internal locus of control, a negative relationship at the 5% (r = -0.41; p = .037) between transcendental relationship and life satisfaction was found. Thus, an increase in a transcendental relationship for those participants coincided with a significant decrease in their satisfaction with life. An interpretation of the results and their implications were discussed.