Impact of Locus of Control, Self-Esteem and Gender on Attitude Towards Child Adoption in Nsukka, Enugu State

ABSTRACT This study examined the relationship between locus of control, self-esteem, gender and attitude towards child adoption in Nsukka, Enugu State. Three hundred and three (303 people) of Nsukka local Government workers participated in the study (150 males and 153 females). Their ages range between 21years and 55 years with a mean age of (38.90) years. Three instruments were used for data collection namely: selfesteem scale developed by Rosenberg (1965), locus of control scale developed by Terry (2003) and Attitude to child adoption questionnaire. All scales used were psychometrically sound. Result of the Pearson’s product correlational analysis indicated that individuals with high self-esteem expressed more positive attitude towards child adoption than those with low self-esteem (r = 35.7; P< .005) for locus of control while calculated coefficient for males and females gender is (r – 100.8) and (r – 98.3) respectively. The findings of the study suggested that personalities are important factor in people’s attitudes towards child adoption. It is suggested in the study that researchers who are interested in changing people’s attitude towards child adoption policy need to consider personality factors first and foremost. Finally, the above results have implication for social policy and social work practice in Nsukka community, in Enugu State.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of contents v

List of tables vii

List of appendices viii

Abstract ix

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1

Statement of the problem 9

Purpose of the study 10

Operational definition of terms 10

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 12

Theoretical review 12

Empirical review 18

Summary of literature reviewed 29

Hypothesis 32

CHAPTER THREE: METHOD 33

Participants 33

Instrument 33

Procedure 37

Design/statistics 38

vi

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS 39

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION 44

Implications of the study 47

Limitations of the study, and suggestion for further studies 47

Summary and conclusion 48

REFERENCES 51

APPENDICES 59