locus of control

USAGE SUMMARY

"locus of control" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in discussions about psychology, personal development, or behavior. For example, "Individuals with an internal locus of control believe they can influence their outcomes." Alternative expressions include "sense of control" and "control orientation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (German version: KKG [ 22]) measures three dimensions of perceived controllability of individual health and illness symptoms: internal health locus of control, social external locus of control, and fatalistic external locus of control.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

His locus of control was external.

The Guardian

But a more basic distinction rests with the locus of control.

The New Yorker

Wetmore kept records of where each bird had entered his locus of control.

The Guardian

For innovation to flourish the locus of control must shift to the frontline where people deliver public services.

The Guardian

People at the other end of the scale, with external locus of control, are more heavily influenced by authority figures.

The New York Times

If Tallinn is compromised, whether digitally or physically, Estonia's locus of control will shift to such mirror sites abroad.

The New Yorker

Your Locus of Control.

Science Magazine

and Locus of Control (2: External & Internal).

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

High scores indicate internal locus of control and low scores indicate external locus of control.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

1126 students had internal locus of control and 129 had external locus of control.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing psychological concepts, clearly define "locus of control" early on to ensure your audience understands its specific meaning within your context.

Common error

Avoid implying that "locus of control" is the sole determinant of success; it's one factor among many, and its influence can be complex and context-dependent.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "locus of control" is as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to a psychological concept. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase identifies where individuals believe control over life events resides.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "locus of control" is a well-established concept in psychology, referring to the extent to which individuals believe they have control over events in their lives. As Ludwig highlights, it's commonly used in academic and professional contexts, as well as in news and media. A person's "locus of control" can be internal (believing they control their own destiny) or external (believing external forces dictate their life). When using the term, it's important to provide clear context, especially when discussing its impact on behavior and outcomes. Be mindful of avoiding oversimplification by implying that "locus of control" is the sole determinant of success, as it's one of many contributing factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal control

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the same idea.

level of perceived control

Emphasizes the individual's subjective feeling of having power over situations.

sense of personal agency

Focuses on the individual's perceived ability to act independently and make their own choices.

degree of self-determination

Highlights the extent to which someone controls their own life and destiny.

capacity for self-governance

Implies the ability to regulate one's own actions and behaviors.

internalized responsibility

Indicates the extent to which a person believes they are accountable for what happens to them.

sphere of influence

Refers to the range of things a person can directly affect.

area of responsibility

Highlights the domains where an individual is accountable for outcomes.

self-regulation skills

Focuses on the abilities required to manage one's own behavior and emotions.

mastery orientation

Describes an approach to life characterized by a desire to gain competence and control.

FAQs

What is the difference between internal and external "locus of control"?

An internal "locus of control" means you believe you have control over your life and outcomes. An external "locus of control" means you believe external factors like fate or other people control your life.

How does "locus of control" affect behavior?

People with an internal "locus of control" are more likely to take initiative, be proactive, and feel responsible for their actions. Those with an external "locus of control" may be more passive and feel less empowered.

What are some related concepts to "locus of control"?

Related concepts include "self-efficacy", "sense of agency", and "self-determination". These all relate to an individual's belief in their ability to influence events and outcomes.

How can I develop a more internal "locus of control"?

Focus on taking responsibility for your actions, setting achievable goals, and recognizing your successes. Building competence and experiencing positive outcomes can strengthen your belief in your own ability to influence your life.