| The Problem. The problem was to determine if there was a significant relationship between locus of control and incidence and severity of injury in collegiate football and soccer players.;In order to analyze the data obtained, the athletes were categorized into different groups. The first group was incidence of injury: no injury, one injury, and two or more injuries. The second group was severity of injury: no injury, minor injury (one to seven days missed), moderate injury (eight to 21 days missed), major injury (22 or more days missed), and severe injury (permanent disability or death). The data analysis was completed using multiple regression and canonical analysis with SPSS on the Cyber 855 computer.;Findings. The results of this study indicate that there were no significant differences between locus of control and injuries. There was no significant difference in locus of control between collegiate football and soccer players, and there was no significant difference between incidence of injury in collegiate football and soccer players. There was also no significant difference found in severity of injury between collegiate football and soccer players.;Conclusions. The psychological construct of locus of control, as measured by these standardized instruments, does not play a significant role in affecting the incidence and/or severity of injury among collegiate football and soccer players.;Procedures. To obtain locus of control scores the Rotter I-E Locus of Control Scale and the Dahlhauser Football Locus of Control Scale were administered to selected collegiate football and soccer teams. The injury data were compiled by the athletic trainers at the selected institutions on a standardized injury report form.;Recommendations. Further research in the area of personality and injury producing behavior should focus on factors other than locus of control. |
