An example of external locus of control is believing that if you win a game, it's because you got lucky, rather than attributing the success to your skill or effort.
Understanding External Locus of Control
External locus of control is a psychological concept describing the belief that outcomes in one's life are primarily determined by outside forces rather than by one's own actions or decisions. Individuals with an external locus of control often feel that they have little to no control over the events that affect them. They believe that external factors—such as fate, luck, other people, or powerful external forces—are the primary drivers of their experiences and the results they achieve.
This perspective can influence how individuals approach challenges, react to success and failure, and their overall sense of agency in the world.
Common Examples of External Locus of Control
People exhibiting an external locus of control often interpret events in ways that absolve them of personal responsibility or credit, attributing outcomes to circumstances beyond their influence. Here are several practical examples:
- Academic Performance: A student who fails an exam might say, "The teacher made the test too hard," or "I had bad luck with the questions."
- Career Advancement: An employee who doesn't receive a promotion might believe, "My boss plays favorites," or "The company simply doesn't recognize hard work."
- Financial Situation: Someone experiencing financial difficulties might state, "The economy is terrible, so I can't get ahead," rather than evaluating their spending habits or job search strategies.
- Relationships: If a relationship ends, an individual with an external locus of control might blame the other person entirely, stating, "They were impossible to deal with," without considering their own contributions to the dynamic.
- Health Outcomes: A person recovering from an illness might attribute their recovery solely to the doctors and medication, overlooking their own adherence to treatment plans or lifestyle changes.
Internal vs. External Locus of Control
To further clarify, it's useful to compare external locus of control with its counterpart, internal locus of control. The table below illustrates how different perspectives can interpret the same event:
| Event | External Locus Belief | Internal Locus Belief |
|---|---|---|
| Winning a Game | "I won because I got incredibly lucky; the ball bounced my way." | "I won because I practiced hard and focused during the game." |
| Failing an Exam | "The teacher designed an unfair test; it was impossible to pass." | "I didn't study enough for the exam, and I need to review my notes more thoroughly next time." |
| Not Getting a Job | "The job market is terrible right now; it's impossible to find good opportunities." | "I need to improve my interview skills and tailor my resume better to stand out." |
| Experiencing Success | "I was just in the right place at the right time, or someone else helped me achieve this." | "My hard work and dedication paid off, leading to this success." |
Implications of an External Locus of Control
While an external locus of control can sometimes serve as a protective mechanism, deflecting blame from oneself, it can also limit personal growth and motivation. Individuals who consistently attribute outcomes to external forces may:
- Feel Helpless: They may feel less motivated to take action or try to change their circumstances, believing their efforts won't make a difference.
- Avoid Responsibility: They might avoid taking responsibility for their failures or mistakes, hindering opportunities for learning and improvement.
- Experience Less Control: A persistent belief that external forces control one's destiny can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, or even learned helplessness.
Understanding locus of control can be a powerful tool for personal development. By recognizing tendencies toward an external locus of control, individuals can work towards cultivating a more internal locus, which is often associated with greater self-efficacy and resilience. For more information, explore resources on locus of control in psychology.
