Validation of the French translation of the Levenson's locus of control scale (IPC). Influence of demographic variables and personality.

We have examined the internal validity of the Levenson's locus of control scale (IPC, Internal, Powerful others and Chances), translated by Loas et al. (1994). The impact of different demographic variables on the Levenson's locus of control scales was assessed. We also studied the relation between the IPC scales and the NEO PI R, personality inventory that measures the "big five". A large sample (n=200) of subjects of different age, gender and profession and a sample of Swiss students (n=161) responding anonymously were used, The reliability of the IPC scale is acceptable. The analysis of the impact of the demographic variables show that gender and level of education have an influence on the I (Intern) scale. Age, gender, level of education and profession have an impact on the P (Powerful others) scale. The analysis of the relationship between locus of control and personality showed that there was a negative correlation between I (Intern) and Neuroticism and a positive correlation between I and Extraversion and Consciousness. The P (Powerful others) scale correlate positively with Neuroticism and negatively with Openness and Agreability. The C scale (Chance) correlate positively with Neuroticism. Our study also gives the researchers and the practitioner a reference score table according to the gender, the age, the level of education and the profession. (C) 2002 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.