The Psychological concept called the locus of control:

The Psychological concept called the locus of control:

The concept of “locus of control” is a psychological construct that refers to an individual’s belief about the extent to which they can control events in their lives. It was originally developed by psychologist Julian B. Rotter in the 1950s. The locus of control is a continuum ranging from internal to external, and it reflects the perceived source of control over life events.

Internal Locus of Control:

• Individuals with a strong internal locus of control believe that their actions and decisions directly influence the outcomes in their lives. They feel a sense of personal responsibility and control over their destiny. These individuals are more likely to attribute success or failure to their own abilities and efforts.

External Locus of Control:

• On the other hand, individuals with a strong external locus of control believe that external factors, such as luck, fate, or powerful others, control their lives. They may feel that they have little influence over the outcomes and that events happen due to forces beyond their control. This perspective can lead to a sense of helplessness or reliance on external sources.

People may not fall strictly into one category or the other, and individuals may have different loci of control in various aspects of their lives. The concept is often used in personality psychology, counseling, and organizational psychology to understand how individuals perceive and respond to events.

The locus of control can have implications for various aspects of life, including motivation, achievement, mental health, and coping strategies. It’s important to note that having a more internal or external locus of control does not imply superiority or inferiority; rather, it describes a person’s cognitive orientation toward perceived control in their life.

Shervan K Shahhian