Internal Versus External Locus of Control – Which is Better in the Context of a Global Pandemic?
Recently, I have noticed increased frustration in some of my clients. Sometimes, that frustration can be ubiquitous. But, lately, it feels like many people turn that frustration inward, towards themselves.
I am hearing things like, “Why can’t I get anything done?” or “I am so unmotivated,” or even “I’m letting everyone around me down.” These questions and statements are coming from people who view themselves as successful, smart, and responsible. Is it possible that qualities which were once associated with well-being are no longer as effective?
Let’s start by looking at a specific quality. One that psychologists often say can be a predictor of success, happiness, and positive well-being.
The Locus of Control was Defined by Julian Rotter
It is the degree to which one believes they have control over the events in their life. (5) Rotter explained locus of control as a personality trait. She developed the Internal-External Locus of Control Scale. She created this scale to measure this aspect of personality. Those whose scores reflect a high internal locus of control innately attribute life events to their actions or traits. As a result, they believe themselves to be responsible for the things that happen to them. Whether that be through effort, skill, or innate ability. However, those whose scores reflect a high external locus of control view life events as more circumstantial. They are more likely to view events as happening to them.
As a litmus test, think about how you might attribute being surprised by a high grade on an academic test.
Do you think, “well, I am pretty smart, and math is often my best subject” or “I guess my conscientiousness throughout the quarter paid off?” If so, you may have an internal locus of control. But, if your thoughts are more like, “I sure did get lucky,” or “I guess this test was a pretty easy one,” your locus of control may lean more external.
Rotter identified this as a personality trait continuum. But, later research has demonstrated an internal locus of control is correlated to industriousness, responsibility, independence, and even improved health in some cases. (4) It’s no wonder that an internal locus of control is also associated with strong academic performance and job success. (1)(6) Whereas, a high external locus of control is correlated to increased depression, anxiety, and helplessness. (4) Over time, developing a strong internal locus of control has been seen as a tool to help improve well-being. Think of all the “mind over matter” motivational quotes or suggestions that we “make our own luck..”
Lately, I’m reminded of the downside to overemphasizing our control over our own destiny.
In cases where things are beyond our control, a high internal locus of control can lead to self-blame, guilt, or frustration. This may include issues like the global pandemic, political unrest, or climate change. We can internalize the belief that success is only a matter of individual discipline, will, or ability. But, if we are unable to change our circumstances, we will find ourselves frustrated. People may often find themselves saying, “I’m letting everyone around me down.” But, this statement oversimplifies the situation. It doesn’t take into account the context.
I suggest taking a more balanced view of the locus of control.
In fact, some recent studies show that happiness has close associations with the reasoning that combines both internal and external loci of control. (2) If recently, you have found yourself feeling frustrated, ashamed, or guilty about how you are showing up in your life, ask yourself how realistically you are viewing the context of the situation. Likely there are parts of the situation that you can control and parts of the situation that you cannot.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques and mindfulness tools.
These help us to view the locus of control in a more objective way. These tools give you not only the flexibility to identify where you can make changes. They also increase compassion and understanding for yourself in cases where change is less possible. If you are curious about using these techniques, bring it up to your therapist in individual therapy in San Francisco, CA.
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References
1) Alfred, Dakoru Osomkume (Ph.D), Uduak Idoghor. Internal Vs External Locus of Control: The Better Option for Maximization of Students’ Academic Performance. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education (IJHSSE) Volume 7, Issue 4, April 2020.
2) April, Kurt & Dharani, Babar & Peters, Kai. (2012). Impact of Locus of Control Expectancy on Level of Well-Being. Review of European Studies. 4. 10.5539/res.v4n2p124.
3) Lopez SJ (ed). The Encyclopedia of Positive Psychology. New York: John Wiley & Sons; 2011.
4) Johanna H.M.Hovenkamp-Hermelink, Bertus F. Jeronimus C.van der Veen, PhilipSpinhoven, Brenda W.J.H.Penninx, Robert A.Schoevers, Harriëtte Riese. (2019). Differential associations of locus of control with anxiety, depression and life-events: A five-wave, nine-year study to test stability and change. Journal of Affective Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.04.005
5) Rotter, J. B. (1966). Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 80(1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0092976
6) Wilding, Melody. Successful People Have a Strong Locus of Control: Do you?. Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/melodywilding/2020/03/02/successful-people-have-a-strong-locus-of-control-do-you/?sh=37338f3b7af3
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