The relationship of locus of control and contraception use in the adolescent population.

In the United States there appears to have been a steady increase in the number of sexually active adolescents. Larger numbers of adolescents are confronted with a decision regarding the use of contraceptives. Recent research suggests that the personality variable, locus of control, may have an important influence on many behaviors of the adolescent. Our descriptive study of 66 sexually active female adolescents suggests that those with an internal orientation are more reliable contraceptive users than those with an external orientation. Other variables such as age, religion, social class, or race do not appear to play a significant role in reliable contraceptive use. Implications and interventions for contraceptive counseling and anticipatory guidance are discussed.