The Leford Test of Tenant Locus of Control

Abstract

A 20-item questionnaire was devised and pilot tested to measure tenant locus of control. The items were inspired by Rotter's l-E Scale and the housing literature. Internal consistency and acceptable reliability over time were demonstrated. This Leford Test of Tenant Locus of Control was then applied to 91 female single-parent, public housing tenants. A principle components factor analysis of the Leford identified 4 factors that accounted for 46% of the variance: system control, powerful others, and personal control. Tenants in the 31-40 age range scored significantly higher (p <.05) than other age groups in tenant internal locus of control. The Leford Test was positively related with Rotter's I-E Scale (p < .01), with the Housing Satisfaction Index, and with all specific housing satisfaction scales (p <.01); the relationship was negative with Management Strictness and Fear of Eviction. Housing satisfaction scales were regressed onto the Leford Test and onto the Housing Satisfaction Index. In both cases, Neighbors, Management Empathy, and Management Strictness emerged as predictive variables. Implications of the findings for managers are explored.

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