INTERNAL VS. EXTERNAL LOCUST OF CONTROL
INTERNAL VS. EXTERNAL LOCUST OF CONTROL
__________________________________________________________________________
The concept of locus of control refers to the extent to which individuals
believe they have control over the events that influence their lives. This
psychological framework was developed by Julian B. Rotter in the 1950s
and divides control into two types: external and internal:
_______________________________________________
External Locus of Control:
Definition: Individuals with an external locus of control believe
that their lives are primarily influenced by external forces beyond
their control, such as fate, luck, or powerful others.
_______________________________________________
Characteristics:
1. Tendency to attribute success or failure to external causes like
"the system," "bad luck," or "other people's actions."
2. Might feel powerless or helpless in changing their circumstances
or outcomes.
3. Often express feelings of being at the mercy of environmental
factors or chance.
4. May engage less in proactive behavior because they believe
external forces dictate outcomes.
_____________________________________________
Implications:
1. Lower motivation for achievement or goal setting since they see
outcomes as not dependent on personal effort.
2. Increased stress or anxiety due to perceived lack of control over
life events.
3. Potential for lower resilience in the face of adversity.
________________________________________________
Internal Locus of Control:
Definition: Those with an internal locus of control believe that their
actions directly impact their life outcomes. They see themselves
as the primary force in their destiny.
_____________________________________________
Characteristics:
1. Attribute achievements to their own efforts, skills, or decisions.
2. Believe in the power of personal action to affect change or
achieve goals.
3. Take responsibility for both successes and failures, viewing
them as learning opportunities.
4. Engage in more planning and problem-solving behaviors.
________________________________________________
Implications:
1. Higher levels of motivation, as they believe in the efficacy of
their actions.
2. Better stress management since they feel they can influence
outcomes.
3. Tend to be more proactive, with a higher tendency for goal
setting and achievement.
4. Might experience higher levels of self-esteem and personal
satisfaction from accomplishments.
_______________________________________________
Interplay Between External and Internal:
Not Binary:
People do not strictly adhere to one type; they can vary between
internal and external based on the context or area of life (e.g.,
someone might feel internal control over their career but external
over their health).
Development:
Locus of control can be influenced by upbringing, cultural
background, personal experiences, and education. Feedback from
environments can shape whether someone leans more internal or
external.
Adaptability:
Over time, with self-awareness and therapeutic interventions,
individuals can shift from an external to a more internal locus of
control, which is often associated with better mental health
outcomes.
Cultural Considerations:
Some cultures might emphasize collective success or fate more,
leaning individuals towards an external locus, while others might
stress personal responsibility and autonomy, fostering an internal
locus.
_____________________________________________
Implications for Life:
Health and Well-being:
An internal locus of control is often linked to better physical
health, stress management, and psychological well-being.
Education and Work:
In academic and career contexts, those with an internal locus of
control tend to perform better, as they invest more effort and
adapt strategies based on feedback and results.
Therapy and Change:
Understanding one's locus of control can be pivotal in therapeutic
settings for addressing issues like depression, anxiety, or lack of
motivation.
In summary, while an internal locus of control is generally
associated with positive outcomes, the balance between internal
and external can be healthy, acknowledging the role of both
personal effort and external circumstances in shaping life's
outcomes.
Comments
Post a Comment