Proposed by Julian Rotter in 1954.
Internal locus of control:
'My efforts determine outcomes'
- Success → My ability
- Failure → My lack of effort
External locus of control:
'Luck, environment, others determine outcomes'
- Success → I was lucky
- Failure → Bad luck
Research shows internal locus correlates with:
- Better stress coping
- Better health behaviors
- Higher academic/career achievement
- Lower depression risk
However, excessive internal locus can lead to self-blame.
Healthy balance is ideal.
Personality
Locus of Control
Do I control my fate, or does fate control me?