Relationship between locus of control and aggression among gym goers and non-gym goers

Abstract

The present research aimed to examine the relationship between locus of control and aggression among gym goers and non-gym goers. A comparative sample (N=298) of gym goers (n= l SO) and non-gym goers (n=1 48) participated in the research with their complete consent. The data from gym goers was collected via gyms located in the vicinity of Islamabad and Rawalpindi whereas the data for non-gym goers was collected from university students belonging to the twin cities. The age of the participants ranged from 17-34 years (M=23.l5, SD=2.7). The self-report instrument of Internal Powerful Others Chance (IPC) Scale (Levenson, 1973) was used to measure Locus of Control and the self-report measure of Buss Peny Aggression Questionnaire (BP AQ) (Buss & Perry, 1992) was used to measure Aggression. The results of the study suggest that internal locus of control is negatively related to aggression among gym goers and non-gym goers whereas external (powerful others and chance) locus of control is positively related to aggression among gym goers and non-gym goers. Internal locus of control is a significant negative predictor of aggression whereas chance locus of control is a significant positive predictor of aggression. Results indicate that gym goers are less aggressive as compared to nongym goel's and gym goers are high internals whereas non-gym goers are high externals. Results show nonsignificant gender differences on locus of control and aggression. The results of demographic variables were also discussed and explained in the light of the literature. Media and clinicians can help in reducing aggression among youth and clinical population by providing them with an appropriate outlet through promotion and use of exercise to express and manage aggression.