Predictors of self-esteem and locus of control in Mexican-American women

The purpose of the study was to elicit the best overall predictors of self-esteem and locus of control in a sample of 708 Mexican-American women. In spite of the growing number of Mexican-Americans, psychological variables have not been addressed sufficiently, especially among Mexican-American women. Therefore, this type of research can contribute significantly to the understanding of Mexican-American women.

A modified, multistage, cluster sampling strategy was used in order to obtain the sample. Using role theory as the theoretical orientation, three types of predictors were introduced as independent variables: cultural predictors, demographic predictors, and male/female relationship predictors.

Initial correlation analyses were used to view the relationship of the variables in each of the predictor groups with self-esteem and locus of control. The second step of the analysis involved regressing variables from the three predictor groups onto self-esteem and locus of control. In order to reduce the large number of variables in the regression equation, three separate factor analyses were conducted, one on each of the three groups of variables. The final regression equation included these factor scores and three interaction terms.

The multiple regression analysis found the strongest predictor of self-esteem to be the factor score representing relationship quality. The second significant predictor of self-esteem was a factor which included relationship egalitarianism. The interaction terms and other variables in the regression were nonsignificant.

The factor representing marital quality also emerged as the strongest predictor of locus of control. This was followed by the demographic factor score representing education and income. The final significant predictor of locus of control was the factor score representing relationship egalitarianism. Again, other variables in the equation, including interaction terms were nonsignificant.

These results are discussed together with implications of these findings for the Mexican-American population, as well as recommendations for future research.