The accepted assumption among researchers is that control has trait-like features; under controlled conditions, individuals experience a sense of control by interacting with the environment, experiencing personal influence and evaluating perceived outcomes (Rotter, 1966 and Bandura, 1974). It seems reasonable, therefore, to examine the sense of control during economic transitions within a community and to evaluate this perspective. In this study data were gathered from a Northwest community which displayed high levels of unemployment, substantial plant closure, cutbacks, layoffs, and limited population movement. Data from 137 couples were used to introduce questions regarding the trait-like portrayal of locus of control. The sample was divided according to income reduction and gender. Husbands were selected because of the long tradition of the breadwinner role in the local area and its emphasis in the literature reviewed. The underemployed group was composed of those men who had experienced an income reduction of 30% or more. Pearson Correlations indicated that marital characteristics were associated with external control orientations but not internality. Findings suggest that control may be experienced in diverse ways; therefore, the single continuum construct may be a limited perspective. This study portrays financial loss as a marital problem in establishing desired degree(s) of control. The resource development approach appeared to address only part of the problem. It emphasized individual development while neglecting marital decision making. (Author/ABL)