Internal locus of control is a psychological concept referring to the extent to which individuals believe they have control over the events and outcomes in their lives. It’s one end of the locus of control spectrum, with external locus of control at the opposite end.
Key aspects of internal locus of control:
- People with an internal locus of control believe their actions and decisions primarily influence their life outcomes.
- They tend to take more responsibility for their successes and failures.
- This mindset is often associated with higher motivation, better problem-solving skills, and greater resilience.
- It can lead to increased effort in achieving goals and overcoming obstacles.
- Internal locus of control is linked to better mental health outcomes and overall life satisfaction.
However, an extreme internal locus of control can sometimes lead to undue self-blame or difficulty coping with uncontrollable situations. A balanced perspective, recognizing both personal agency and external factors, is generally considered most adaptive.
