The influence of locus of control on adult’s attitude towards will-making

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of locus of control on adult’s attitude towards will-making with the aim of examining the influence an individual’s locus of control has on his/her attitude towards writing a will. It also ascertained if age influences the decision to write a will. A cross-sectional survey design was used in the study. One hundred and eighteen (118) adults (53 females and 65 males) between the ages of 45 and 72 years were conveniently sampled in Ife Central Local Government Area in Osun State and Yaba Local government Area in Lagos state. Data was collected using a self-report questionnaire consisting of Locus of Control and Awareness about will scales from respondents. There was no statistical significant influence of locus of control on the attitude of internals and externals towards writing a will [t(99) = 0.063, p>.05]. The findings also show that the age of participants as no statistical main influence on their decision to write a will. The study concluded that the dimension of control (internal or external) of participants has no influence on the decision to write will. Also an individual’s age is not a determinant of his or her willingness to a write will.

Keywords: Locus of Control, Attitude Will-making, Testament, Adults.