Locus of Control: How Psychologists Use Locus of Control

Locus of control is a psychological concept that has to do with the degree to which people believe they control their own lives and actions instead of external forces. This idea of locus (pluralized as “loci” and Latin for “location”) is part of personality psychology and was introduced by American psychologist Julian B. Rotter as a part of his social learning theory, published in Psychological Monographs in 1966.

The main idea in Rotter’s social learning theory stipulates that a person’s environment influences their behaviors and expectations. Those with a strong internal locus of control believe their actions, such as hard work and self-determination, dictate outcomes. Those with a strong external locus of control believe that external forces determine the trajectory of their life.

There are two main types of locus of control, which together dictate how much people believe they have control of their lives:

• Internal locus of control: Internal locus of control defines control within one's own efforts. Higher internal locus of control correlates to personality traits such as self-control and self-efficacy. A high internal locus of control means people believe they have control over their paths in life, ignoring the influence of external factors. Determination and creative problem-solving are a part of this type of locus of control—stressors and failures are not blamed on other forces.
• External locus of control: External locus of control defines power coming from external forces. People with an external locus of control believe they do not have as much autonomy over their outcomes and well-being. Personal control is deemed limited as external forces drive life events and change. With this locus of control orientation, if a person aces a test, they may believe they did so out of luck or that the questions were somehow easier than usual. Learned helplessness and increased needs for validation can be symptomatic of an external locus of control.

A small-town employee gets a job interview for a position in New York City. This is a significant opportunity and would jumpstart a new life adventure. If the person has an internal locus of control, they’ll likely believe they are responsible for the outcome of the interview. They may then research the company thoroughly and respond with the correct answers in the interview, all the while believing they can control the interview outcome. If the person has an external locus of control, they would see the interview as an opportunity, but not one in which they have much power. They would tend to see outside forces—what the company needs, how it conducts the interview, other applicants—as more impactful on the results of the interview.

Figuring out what you want to do next and how to get there? Learn how to embrace your passions with a MasterClass Annual Membership and find the grit to take control of your life with exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Robin Arzón, Elaine Welteroth, Hillary Rodham Clinton, RuPaul, and more.