Locus of Control
What is Locus of Control?
The degree to which people believe they have control over outcomes in their lives versus outcomes being determined by external forces like luck, fate, or powerful others.
Quick Answer
Locus of control describes whether you believe outcomes result from your actions (internal) or external factors like luck or powerful others (external).
Scientific Background
Developed by Julian Rotter in 1954. Internal locus of control means believing you influence outcomes; external means believing outcomes are beyond your control. It affects motivation, stress response, and health behaviors.
How to Measure
Assessed through questionnaires asking whether outcomes result from personal actions (internal) or external factors (external). Domain-specific measures exist for health, work, and relationships.
Real-World Implications
- Internal locus predicts greater achievement, health, and well-being
- External locus can protect self-esteem but reduces motivation
- Can be shifted through experience and cognitive restructuring
- Realistic assessment requires balancing internal and external attributions
Common Misconceptions
- Internal locus is not always better—some things are genuinely beyond control
- External locus is not learned helplessness—it's about perceived causation
- Locus of control is on a spectrum, not either/or
Related Concepts
Related Definitions
Quick Facts
- CategorySelf
- MeasurableYes
- TrainableYes
- Related Tests2
Explore Other Categories
Sources
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Peer-Reviewed Research Literature
- Psychometric Assessment Standards
- Handbook of Personality Psychology
References & Sources
Nisbett, R. E. (2015). Mindware: Tools for Smart Thinking. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Sternberg, R. J. (2020). The Cambridge Handbook of Intelligence (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
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Locus of Control: Frequently Asked Questions
What is locus of control?+
Locus of control describes whether you believe outcomes result from your actions (internal) or external factors like luck or powerful others (external).
Is internal locus of control better?+
Generally yes—internal locus predicts greater achievement and well-being. However, excessive internal locus can lead to self-blame for things beyond your control.
Can you change your locus of control?+
Yes, through experiences of agency and success, cognitive therapy, and reframing. It shifts gradually as you experience the results of your choices.
What causes external locus of control?+
Repeated experiences where actions don't lead to expected outcomes, trauma, learned helplessness, and environments that minimize personal agency.
How does locus of control affect health?+
Internal locus predicts better health behaviors (exercise, diet) and outcomes. People who feel in control are more likely to take preventive action.
