The aim of this study was to examine the gender and developmental period differences in optimism-pessimism and locus of
control. Additionally, it aimed to assess the correlation between optimism-pessimism and subscale of locus of control (internal,
external, and unknown). The sample consisted (340) participants of school students (165 boys and 125 girls) enrolled
randomly, from primary and preparatory schools located in Aleppo city. The participants aged between 10 to 15 years (M=
12.4 male, 12.8 female).The participants completed two measures: 1-Optimism-Pessimism Scale (OPS) 2- Connell’s locus of
Control Scale for Children (CLCS-C). Findings of the study revealed that, the external locus of control were higher among girls
than among boys, while no significant differences had been found in internal and unknown locus of control. Aon the other
hand, finding showed that, there was significant gender differences for optimism. Boys were found to be more optimistic
than girls were. Regarding the correlation between optimism-pessimism and subscale of locus of control, there was significant
and positive correlation between optimism and Internal control. Additionally between pessimism and external control
on one hand, and between pessimism and unknown locus control on the other hand. Furthermore, it has been found a
negative and significant correlation between pessimism and internal control and between optimism and unknown locus of
control.
The personality of a child depends upon several factors including
family composition, home environment, socialization,
childhood experiences, education, socio-economic status,
parents’ occupations etc. Family influences on personality development
are highly significant as parent child relationship,
parenting, emotional climate of home; size and type of family
determine the process of development during childhood
years. (Kokkinos, & Logginidou, 2005). The relation a child has
with parents and other family members is one of the most
important factors in personality development as family provides
physical safety, economic support, social and emotional
security (Rigby, 1993, Massachusetts, 2000, Batabyal, A. & Nijkamp,
P 2017).
Optimism, pessimism and locus of control have been shown
to be pervasive and important attributes of human thought
and expression. Optimism has been shown to mitigate the effects
of stressors on psychological functioning. Dispositional
optimists (who hold generalized positive outcome expectancies)
have shown less mood disturbance in response to a
number of different stressors, including adaptation to school
and college, (Yates, (2000). Optimism has also been associated
with better physical and mental health. (Lennings, 2000).
Recent years have witnessed substantial progress in understanding
the contribution of psychosocial factors to physical
and psychological health. One such factor, optimism, or
the expectation of positive outcomes, has been tied to better
physical health and more successful coping with health
challenges (Ismail, A. (2001). However, the routes by which
optimism might be associated with better health have not
received systematic investigation.
