Where Does Your Locus Of Control Lie ?
Within psychology, Locus of Control is considered to be an important aspect of personality. The concept was developed originally an American psychologist Julian Rotter ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Rotter ) in the1950s. Locus of control is an individual’s belief system regarding the causes of his or her experiences and the factors to which that person attributes success or failure. With this article delight , we will explore at deeper aspect of locus of control and how does it create an impact on our overall personality. We will also try to get an answer on Where Does Your Locus Of Control Lie ?
What is Locus of Control ?
“A locus of control orientation is a belief about whether the outcomes of our actions are contingent on what we do (internal control orientation) or on events outside our personal control (external control orientation),” explained psychologist Philip Zimbardo in his book Psychology and Life.
Stating it in simple words, Locus of Control refers to an individual’s perception about the underlying main causes of events in their life.
What do you feel when you’re suddenly faced with a tough challenge or obstacle? What thoughts go through your mind? Do your thoughts go to how might overcome this challenge to achieve what you want? Or, do you wonder why this is happening to you or feel under attack? Do you feel paralyzed? Or, energized? Choice less or determined?
Not everyone holds the same beliefs about what influences their actions and the outcomes of those actions. This concept is called the locus of control.
Types of Locus of Control | Internal Vs External Locus Of Control
Internal Locus of Control
A person with Internal locus of control tends to think that they are in control of their own fate. This sort of person will seek out opportunities to create change in their situations. When things go wrong, they will often reflect on their own behaviors. They look for ways to do better next time. Typically, these people are introspective, self-motivated, and keep themselves accountable. They might also have high levels of perseverance and determination.
External Locus Of Control
Those who think themselves at the mercy of luck, fate and unforeseen uncontrollable outside force and feel helpless in life are said to have External locus of control. This sort of person will often attribute their success or failure to an outside influence. They are highly aware of discrimination, bias, and systemic constraints on society. They are considered socially minded rather than individually minded.
Which Control is ” Good ” or ” Bad ” ?
People with an external locus of control are also more likely to experience anxiety. Since, they believe that they are not in control of their lives. This is not to say, however, that an internal locus of control is “good” and the other one is “bad.” There are other variables to be considered as well. However, psychological research finds out that people with a more internal locus of control seem to be better off, e.g. they tend to be more achievement oriented and get better paying jobs. While in personal psychology it may seem as if having a high external locus of control is a negative attribute, but awareness of systemic social issues can also make you a better and more empathetic person with external locus of control. The trick is to be aware of your constraints while also trying to identify avenues for using your self agency of control to your advantage.
Research studies : https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/What%20is%20Locus%20of%20Control%20by%20James%20Neill.pdf
Why understanding ” Where Does Your Locus Of Control Lie ” is important ?
Our behavior is largely guided by “reinforcements” (rewards and punishments) and that through contingencies of rewards and punishments, we come to hold some beliefs about causes and actions. These beliefs have a huge impact on our long and short term behavior. Someone can believe that they don’t have control over their actions and what happens to them. Others can believe that they have full agency over their actions and outcomes. Your locus of control can have a major impact on your life, from how you cope with stress to your motivation to take charge of your life.
Where Does Your Locus Of Control Lie ?
Where does your locus of control fall on the continuum? You can go through the statements below and select the set that best describes your outlook on life.
- I am accountable for my own actions
- I can overcome the odds
- If you work hard and commit yourself to a goal, you can achieve anything.
- In the long run, people tend to get what they deserve in life.
- Effort today leads to reward tomorrow
- I often feel that I have little control over my life and what happens to me.
- People rarely get what they deserve.
- Life is a game of chance.
- Individuals have little influence over the events of the world.
- Well, fate & destiny does exist.
If the statements 1 to 5 above mostly reflect your view on life, then you probably tend to have an internal locus of control. While, if the statements 6 to 10 shapes your outlook towards life, then you probably tend to have an external locus of control. Moreover, the concept of locus of control is actually a continuum. Locus of control probably sits along a spectrum where you might have a low, high, or very high internal or external locus of control. What does matter most is, to introspect your point of standing along the line between the extremities of highly internal locus of control to highly external locus of control and do necessary adjustments.
Final takeaway
Locus of control is an important term to know in almost every branch of the psychology community. This is mainly due to the fact it can be applied in many aspects of daily life, whether the locus is external or internal it will – by definition – affect your mind, body, and even actions. Remember that locus of control is not an either-or proposition. Locus of control falls on a continuum. People may have an internal locus of control in one area (e.g., their work) and an external locus of control in another (like their health). But understanding Where Does Your Locus Of Control Lie helps you to know better that your mindset matters. It reminds you that, if your mind seeks out solutions to problems, you will be able to claim and exercise your self agency of control.
Read also : The 5 Stages Of Successful Change And What They Mean To You ( https://thebrightdelights.com/the-5-stages-of-successful-change-and-what-they-mean-to-you/ )