The Effects of a Deterministic Philosophy on Psychological Well-Being: Locus of Control as a Moderator

Abstract

This research addresses whether belief in causal determinism or free will can change a person’s feelings of well-being, and Locus of Control’s (LoC) role as a modifying factor. This study used an online survey method, with a randomized experimental manipulation integrated into it, in order to examine the effect of determinism (vs. free will) belief on well-being. Analyses showed no main effect of induced belief in determinism on either Eudaimonic or Hedonic Well-Being (EWB/HWB) scales. Locus of Control, however, moderated the manipulation’s effect on EWB. Among participants with internal LoC, belief in determinism led to lower EWB. Those with external LoC showed an opposite effect; belief in determinism led to higher EWB among these individuals. LoC did not similarly moderate the effect of determinism belief on HWB.