Defining the self: Locus of evaluation, self -esteem, and personality

The purpose of the present study was to develop and validate the Locus of Evaluation Inventory (LEI), and examine the relationships among locus of evaluation, self-esteem, and measures of personality. Despite being heralded as critical to successful psychotherapy (Raskin, 1952) and central to optimal psychological functioning (Rogers, 1959), insufficient measurement has contributed to a dearth of empirical research investigating locus of evaluation. Therefore, in Study 1, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted on LEI items to assist in establishing construct validity. A four factor LEI composed of 25 items was produced. The four factor solution accounted for 36.88% of the total variance, and produced a .88 coefficient alpha for the LEI total. Factor 1 was named Low Self-Regard, Factor 2 was named Concern for Others\u27 Opinions, Factor 3 was named Dependence, and Factor 4 was named Public Self-Consciousness. Satisfactory concurrent and convergent estimates of validity were established. Significant correlations were found between external locus of evaluation and low self-esteem, neuroticism, low conscientiousness, and procrastination. Study 2 established an adequate estimate of test-retest reliability (r = .81) over a two-week period for the 25-item LEI. These results are discussed in terms of the broad implications that locus of evaluation and the LEI may have on conceptualizing, assessing, and facilitating psychological functioning