An individual’s locus of control refers to the degree to which they believe they have control over the events and outcomes in their life (Rotter, 1966; Rotter, 1990). If you believe that you are primarily responsible for the events that happen to you, then you possess what is known as an internal locus of control. On the other hand, if you perceive external factors as determining the outcomes in your life, then you would be considered to have an external locus of control.
It is important to note that the locus of control is along a continuum. Few people fall entirely at either extreme of the internal or external locus of control. Instead, most individuals demonstrate a combination of both tendencies, and it may be dependent upon the task or situation.
Characteristics of an Internal Locus of Control
If you have a dominant internal locus of control, you are likely to exhibit several key traits:
You are more likely to take personal responsibility for your actions and outcomes.
You tend to demonstrate a higher level of independence and are less swayed by others.
You perform better when given the autonomy to work at your own pace.
You are more persistent and work hard to accomplish your desired outcomes.
When faced with challenges, you feel confident in your ability to overcome obstacles.
Characteristics of an External Locus of Control
If you have a predominant external locus of control, you may display the following characteristics:
You are more inclined to attribute your successes or failures to external factors such as fate, chance, or the actions of others.
You may struggle with the belief that your efforts can alter your circumstances, and you might feel hopeless when faced with difficulties.
You are more likely to experience learned helplessness, in which you feel unable to affect change, even when the opportunity exists.
In situations of stress or challenge, you may feel as though external forces are in control, leading to a lack of motivation.
Recognising where you lie on the locus of control continuum can help you better understand your responses to life’s challenges and assist you in making more empowered decisions moving forward.
References
Rotter, J. B. (1966) 'Generalised expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement', Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 80(1), pp. 1-28.
Rotter, J. B. (1990) ‘Internal versus external control of reinforcement: A case history of a variable’, American Psychologist Association, 45(4), pp. 489-493.
