Influence of Spirituality on Locus of Control (LoC) and Hardiness

The present study examined the influence of spirituality on locus of control and psychological hardiness among adults, while assessing variations across gender and age groups. A total of 365 participants (138 males and 227 females), aged between 18–25 years (n = 233) and 48–55 years (n = 132), were assessed using standardized scales: Rotter’s Internal–External Locus of Control Scale by Rotter, the Dispositional Resilience Scale (DRS-15) by Bartone, and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale by Bufford and Paloutzian. Results indicated a significant positive association between spirituality and psychological hardiness, and a negative relationship between spirituality and external locus of control, suggesting that higher spiritual well-being predicts stronger internal control orientation and resilience. While no significant gender differences were observed, age-based variations revealed that older adults exhibited greater spirituality and internal locus of control than their younger counterparts. Spirituality emerged as a significant predictor of both locus of control and psychological hardiness, underscoring its role as a protective and adaptive resource in fostering resilience and perceived control.