What is an internal locus of control?

Those with an internal locus of control believe they have control over what happens in their life. In other words, they believe the interactions they have with their environment will produce predictable results. Individuals with an internal locus of control believe the events in their lives are mostly the result of their own actions.

Component	Description
Definition	Internal Locus of Control is a psychological concept that refers to an individual’s belief or perception that they have control over their own life, actions, and outcomes. People with a strong internal locus of control tend to attribute their successes and failures to their own efforts, decisions, and abilities rather than external factors or luck. It is a key dimension of personality and a fundamental aspect of individual psychology.
Key Characteristics	– Personal Responsibility: Individuals with an internal locus of control take personal responsibility for their actions and outcomes. – Self-Determination: They believe they have the power to influence events and shape their future. – Autonomy: They tend to be more independent and self-reliant in decision-making. – Problem-Solving Orientation: They approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, believing they can overcome obstacles. – Higher Self-Efficacy: Internal locus of control is associated with higher self-efficacy and confidence in one’s abilities.
Measurement	Internal Locus of Control is typically assessed using psychological assessments and questionnaires. One common instrument is the Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale, which asks individuals to rate the extent to which they agree or disagree with statements related to control over life events. The scale provides a numerical score that reflects the degree of internal or external locus of control.
Implications	– Motivation: Individuals with an internal locus of control are often more motivated to set and achieve personal goals. – Resilience: They tend to cope better with stress and adversity, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. – Health Behavior: Research suggests that people with an internal locus of control are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and take proactive steps to maintain their well-being. – Career Success: Internal locus of control can be associated with career success as individuals take initiative and seek opportunities. – Personal Growth: It is linked to personal development and a sense of empowerment.
Contrast with External	– External Locus of Control: In contrast, individuals with an external locus of control believe that external forces, luck, fate, or other people primarily determine their life events and outcomes. They may feel less in control of their lives and decisions. – Internal-External Locus of Control Continuum: Locus of control is often viewed as a continuum, with varying degrees of internal and external beliefs. Most individuals fall somewhere between the two extremes.
Development and Change	Locus of control can evolve over time and is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and experiential factors. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help individuals shift from an external to an internal locus of control through cognitive restructuring and self-empowerment techniques.
Examples	– Personal Finance: Someone with an internal locus of control might diligently save money and invest, believing they can shape their financial future. – Academic Success: Students with an internal locus of control are more likely to attribute good grades to their efforts and study habits. – Health and Wellness: Someone with an internal locus of control may adopt a healthy lifestyle, believing they can prevent illness through their choices. – Career Advancement: A professional with an internal locus of control may actively seek promotions and career growth opportunities. – Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs often have a strong internal locus of control, believing they can build successful businesses through their efforts.

Table of Contents

Understanding an internal locus of control

The concept of a locus of control was first proposed by American psychologist Julian B. Rotter in 1954.

Then known as the locus of control of reinforcement, the theory posited that the level of autonomy (or control) one had over their life influenced their behavior.

Rotter described his idea in terms of social learning theory and whether the individual believed that rewards and punishments in their life were dictated to them by external factors.

Later work by Rotter in the 1960s defined the locus of control as the degree to which someone perceived an outcome as being the result of their own actions.

Importantly, this perception exists on a spectrum which is still used today.

On one end of the spectrum is an internal locus of control where individuals believe life outcomes are dependent on their own actions and personal characteristics.

Opposite is the external locus of control, where the individual believes that outcomes are determined by forces beyond their control such as chance or fate.

Characteristics of an internal locus of control

Some of the characteristics of an internal locus of control include:

Higher life satisfaction.
Less influenced by the opinions of others.
The ability to approach challenges with confidence and purpose.
The tendency to be happier, healthier, and more independent.
Equate hard work and motivation with goal achievement.
Lower stress levels, and
Low neuroticism.

Impacts of an internal locus of control

Unsurprisingly, individuals with a strong internal locus of control tend to be more content and find themselves in better-paid jobs.

Those with this mindset possess a strong sense of personal agency, which means they can make deliberate decisions and act intentionally.

The internal locus of control is also related to aspects of self-determination theory.

The theory, which was first introduced in 1985 by psychologists Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, posits that individuals are motivated by three high-level psychological needs: competence, connection (relatedness), and autonomy.

When these needs are fulfilled, they form the basis of intrinsic motivation where the individual engages in an activity for the inherent satisfaction or fun of it.

Unlike those with an external locus of control, they are not motivated by some external reward or punishment.

Potential negative impacts

Despite the obvious benefits of an internal locus of control, the individual who believes they are the sole masters of their destiny will experience disappointment sooner or later.

Since these individuals believe they can control the outcome of any situation, they work hard to reach their objectives and strive to ensure there is no room for error.

Left unchecked, this can result in perfectionist tendencies which may be projected onto co-workers or friends and family.

When an inevitable failure occurs, those with an internal locus of control may also experience low self-esteem and anxiety because they attribute the loss to an action they performed or a decision they made.

Some may even be incapable of considering that an external factor was behind the failure.

Examples of Internal Locus of Control

Academic Performance: A student with an internal locus of control believes that their good grades are a result of their own efforts, study habits, and dedication to learning.
Career Advancement: An employee who receives a promotion at work attributes it to their hard work, skills, and performance, believing that they have control over their career progression.
Health and Wellness: A person with an internal locus of control takes responsibility for their health and believes that their lifestyle choices and behaviors directly influence their well-being and longevity.
Financial Success: An individual who saves money regularly and manages their finances responsibly believes that their financial security is a result of their own money management skills and discipline.
Athletic Achievement: An athlete with an internal locus of control attributes their success in sports to their training regimen, dedication, and skill development rather than luck or external factors.
Relationship Satisfaction: A person in a healthy and fulfilling relationship believes that their efforts in communication, understanding, and compromise contribute to the strength and happiness of the relationship.
Entrepreneurial Success: An entrepreneur with an internal locus of control believes that their business’s growth and success are a direct result of their strategic decisions, innovation, and hard work.
Personal Growth: A person who actively seeks self-improvement and personal development believes that their growth and achievements are a result of their own efforts and determination.
Conflict Resolution: When faced with a problem or disagreement, an individual with an internal locus of control takes initiative in finding solutions and believes they can influence the outcome positively.
Life Satisfaction: Someone with an internal locus of control generally feels content and fulfilled in life, attributing their overall well-being to their own actions, choices, and attitudes.

Key takeaways:

Individuals with an internal locus of control believe the events in their lives are mostly the result of their own actions.
Some of the characteristics of an internal locus of control include higher life satisfaction, lower stress levels, and low neuroticism. Individuals also tend to be goal-oriented, happier, healthier, and more independent.
Despite the clear benefits of an internal locus of control, the individual who believes they are the sole masters of their destiny will inevitably experience disappointment. This can cause perfectionism and associated anxiety and low self-esteem.

Related Framework	Description	When to Apply
Internal Locus of Control	Internal Locus of Control refers to the belief that individuals have control over their own lives and experiences, attributing outcomes to their own actions, choices, and efforts rather than external factors or luck. It is associated with feelings of empowerment, self-efficacy, and responsibility for one’s circumstances. Understanding and fostering an internal locus of control can promote resilience, motivation, and proactive problem-solving.	When encouraging personal growth or supporting resilience, emphasizing an internal locus of control can empower individuals and promote self-efficacy by highlighting personal agency and responsibility, thus enhancing motivation and fostering proactive behavior in personal development, goal-setting, or coping with challenges, ultimately cultivating a sense of ownership and promoting positive outcomes through self-determination and belief in one’s abilities.
Self-Efficacy Theory	Self-Efficacy Theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, suggests that individuals’ beliefs in their own ability to succeed in specific situations influence their behavior, motivation, and perseverance. High self-efficacy is associated with setting challenging goals, exerting effort, and persisting in the face of obstacles, while low self-efficacy may lead to avoidance, procrastination, or giving up easily. Building self-efficacy involves mastery experiences, social modeling, verbal persuasion, and physiological states. Understanding and nurturing self-efficacy can enhance performance and well-being.	When building confidence or enhancing performance, applying Self-Efficacy Theory can boost motivation and improve outcomes by providing opportunities for success, offering positive feedback, and setting achievable goals, thus increasing self-belief and encouraging persistence in education, work settings, or personal challenges, ultimately empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their aspirations through belief in their capabilities and effective goal-setting.
Attribution Theory	Attribution Theory examines how individuals explain the causes of events or outcomes, whether to internal factors (e.g., abilities, effort) or external factors (e.g., luck, task difficulty). It explores how attributions affect emotions, motivation, and behavior. Internal attributions tend to foster a sense of control and responsibility, while external attributions may lead to feelings of helplessness or resentment. Understanding attribution processes can provide insight into individuals’ reactions and motivations, guiding interventions to promote adaptive attributions and resilience.	When interpreting behavior or addressing performance, considering Attribution Theory can inform feedback and motivate improvement by highlighting causal beliefs and evaluating controllability, thus shaping perceptions and encouraging adaptive responses in performance evaluations, coaching sessions, or conflict resolution, ultimately fostering accountability and promoting psychological well-being through balanced attributional patterns and positive self-reflection.
Sense of Control	Sense of Control refers to individuals’ subjective perception of their ability to influence events and outcomes in their lives. It encompasses feelings of autonomy, mastery, and predictability, contributing to psychological well-being and adaptive coping. A strong sense of control is associated with lower stress levels, greater resilience, and improved health outcomes. Cultivating a sense of control involves enhancing perceived agency, promoting self-determination, and providing opportunities for meaningful choice and autonomy. Understanding and nurturing a sense of control can enhance individuals’ quality of life and overall functioning.	When promoting well-being or supporting adaptive coping, fostering a sense of control can reduce stress and enhance resilience by empowering individuals and promoting autonomy, thus improving mental health and facilitating effective coping strategies in clinical interventions, healthcare settings, or community programs, ultimately enhancing individuals’ quality of life and promoting positive outcomes through perceived agency and personal empowerment.
Self-Determination Theory	Self-Determination Theory posits that humans have three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Fulfilling these needs is essential for intrinsic motivation, personal growth, and well-being. Autonomy involves feeling in control of one’s choices and actions, competence relates to feeling effective and capable, and relatedness pertains to feeling connected to others and valued. Understanding and supporting these psychological needs can foster intrinsic motivation, positive relationships, and psychological flourishing.	When nurturing motivation or promoting well-being, applying Self-Determination Theory can enhance satisfaction and promote engagement by supporting autonomy, building competence, and fostering connection, thus facilitating intrinsic motivation and promoting positive relationships in education, work environments, or personal development, ultimately cultivating psychological flourishing and sustained fulfillment through fulfillment of basic psychological needs and supportive social contexts.
Internal Control Psychology	Internal Control Psychology focuses on individuals’ beliefs about their ability to control events and outcomes in their lives. It examines how perceptions of control influence behavior, emotions, and mental health. Internal control beliefs are associated with greater resilience, adaptive coping, and psychological well-being, while external control beliefs may lead to learned helplessness or maladaptive coping strategies. Understanding and promoting internal control beliefs can empower individuals and improve their ability to manage stress and adversity effectively.	When supporting resilience or enhancing coping skills, considering Internal Control Psychology can promote empowerment and improve mental health by addressing perceptions of control and encouraging adaptive coping strategies, thus building resilience and facilitating effective stress management in clinical interventions, psychotherapy, or stress reduction programs, ultimately empowering individuals to navigate challenges and achieve psychological well-being through belief in their capacity for control and active coping behaviors.
Mastery Orientation	Mastery Orientation refers to individuals’ tendency to approach tasks with a focus on learning, improvement, and mastery rather than solely on performance outcomes or social comparison. It involves embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, and seeking opportunities for growth and development. Cultivating a mastery orientation involves fostering a growth mindset, emphasizing effort over innate ability, and providing constructive feedback and support. Understanding and promoting mastery orientation can enhance motivation, resilience, and learning outcomes in various domains.	When fostering learning or promoting growth mindset, emphasizing Mastery Orientation can enhance motivation and improve performance by encouraging effort and celebrating progress, thus cultivating resilience and facilitating skill development in educational settings, professional development, or personal pursuits, ultimately promoting lifelong learning and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement through focus on mastery and commitment to growth.
Personal Agency	Personal Agency refers to individuals’ capacity to act independently and make choices that influence their lives. It encompasses a sense of control, self-direction, and responsibility for one’s actions and decisions. Cultivating personal agency involves developing self-awareness, setting meaningful goals, and taking proactive steps to achieve them. Personal agency is essential for autonomy, empowerment, and pursuing one’s aspirations. Understanding and nurturing personal agency can empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges, pursue their passions, and create meaningful outcomes.	When empowering individuals or supporting goal attainment, fostering Personal Agency can promote autonomy and encourage initiative by cultivating self-awareness and encouraging proactive behavior, thus enhancing personal fulfillment and facilitating goal achievement in career development, personal growth initiatives, or life transitions, ultimately empowering individuals to shape their own destinies and realize their potential through self-directed action and personal accountability.
Resilience Framework	The Resilience Framework encompasses individuals’ capacity to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity, stress, or significant life challenges. It involves bouncing back from setbacks, maintaining emotional balance, and finding meaning and purpose in difficult circumstances. Resilience is influenced by various factors, including social support, coping strategies, and personal attributes. Cultivating resilience involves fostering coping skills, building supportive relationships, and reframing adversity as an opportunity for growth. Understanding and fostering resilience can enhance individuals’ ability to navigate life’s ups and downs effectively.	When building coping skills or nurturing emotional well-being, applying the Resilience Framework can enhance adaptability and promote psychological strength by providing support and encouraging positive coping strategies, thus facilitating recovery and fostering personal growth in mental health interventions, trauma recovery, or stress management programs, ultimately empowering individuals to thrive in the face of adversity and find meaning in life challenges through resilient attitudes and effective coping behaviors.