Definition of External Locus of Control
External Locus of Control refers to a psychological concept that describes an individual’s belief or perception about the causes and outcomes of events in their lives. Specifically, individuals with an external locus of control attribute the control and influence over their lives to external factors, circumstances, or forces beyond their own control, such as luck, fate, powerful others, or chance.
Key Points:
- Attribution of control: Individuals with an external locus of control believe that external factors largely determine the outcomes of events in their lives, rather than their own actions, choices, or abilities.
- External factors: These individuals may attribute successes or failures to luck, fate, chance, powerful individuals or authorities, societal expectations, or other uncontrollable variables.
- Reduced sense of personal agency: People with an external locus of control tend to feel less in control of their own destiny and may perceive themselves as subject to the whims or influences of external forces.
- Impact on behavior: This belief system can affect an individual’s motivation, decision-making, resilience, and response to challenges or setbacks.
- Psychological implications: An external locus of control may be associated with feelings of helplessness, lower self-efficacy, decreased goal-directed behavior, and increased reliance on others for guidance or direction.
Examples:
1. A person with an external locus of control might attribute their success on an exam to luck, claiming that they just happened to guess the right answers, rather than acknowledging their own efforts or preparation.
2. When faced with a job loss, an individual with an external locus of control may blame the economy, the company, or circumstances beyond their control, instead of considering their own job performance or seeking opportunities for personal development.
Contrast:
The opposite of an external locus of control is an internal locus of control, where individuals perceive themselves as having control and influence over the outcomes of events through their own actions, efforts, or abilities.