Locus of control and conformity among adolescents: the mediating role of assertiveness

Background/Introduction: Adolescents in emerging economies like Ethiopia face unique pressures to conform, often leading to risky behaviors such as substance use. While psychological resources are known to be protective, the pathways through which they influence conformity are not fully understood. This study examined the role of locus of control in predicting adolescent conformity and investigated the mediating effect of assertiveness on this relationship. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 516 secondary school students in grades 9-12 (Mage = 14.77 ± 0.71; 52.52% male, 47.48% female). Participants completed validated measures of locus of control, assertiveness, and conformity. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the direct and indirect effects of locus of control on conformity via assertiveness. Results: Internal locus of control was negatively associated with conformity, while external locus of control showed a significant positive association. Assertiveness also demonstrated a significant negative correlation with conformity. Critically, structural equation modeling revealed that assertiveness partially mediated the relationship between both internal and external locus of control and conformity. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of fostering adolescents' sense of personal control and assertiveness as protective factors. Interventions that strengthen these psychological resources may help adolescents in high-pressure environments resist peer pressure and make independent, adaptive decisions.