Have you ever noticed how some people always seem to blame outside forces for everything? If they’re always late, it’s traffic or their alarm clock’s fault. If they miss a deadline, their coworkers didn’t remind them or their email didn’t go through. When plans fall through, other people flake on them. Their lives seem to be filled with inconvenient mishaps and unreliable people. But what if their chronic issues have more to do with perspective than reality? An external locus of control describes people who attribute outcomes in their lives to external factors they can’t control. If you point your fingers outward, you never have to look inward. But this tendency carries consequences.
In the 1950s, psychologist Julian B. Rotter coined the term “locus of control,” which describes how much people think they have control over the things that affect their lives. This psychological trait is not indivisible; some people have an external locus of control, meaning they feel that most of their life is determined by outside forces, while others have an internal locus of control, meaning they feel in control of their destiny.
Read on to learn more about the self-sabotaging nature of an external locus of control and why it’s worth evaluating your inner narrative.
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Understanding the External Locus of Control
When someone has an external locus of control, they believe that outside forces like fate, luck, or other people’s influence determine their success or failure. Instead of focusing on their own efforts and qualifications, they might blame their job promotion on simply being in the right place at the right time. Similarly, they might blame external circumstances for their setbacks rather than their own actions.
While an external locus of control can sometimes serve as a protective mechanism against low self-esteem in the face of failure, it can also lead to a sense of powerlessness and resignation. It is possible that those who have a strong external locus of control are less likely to take the initiative or feel accountable for improving their lives.
People with an external locus of control believe that outside forces beyond their control largely determine the events and outcomes of their lives. They think the good and bad things that happen are due to luck, chance, fate, or the actions of others rather than their own efforts or abilities.
If you have an external locus of control, you likely feel that you have limited power over your destiny and that life just happens to you. You may blame outside influences for both your successes and failures instead of taking personal responsibility. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and a lack of motivation or initiative to work towards goals or self-improvement.
Some signs that you may have an external locus of control include the following:
- Believing that life events are predetermined or left to fate. You think luck, not choice, dictates your life path.
- Blaming others, like your boss, family, or circumstances, for lack of success or unhappiness instead of yourself.
- Having the attitude that there’s no point in planning or preparing because external factors will determine the outcome anyway.
- Feeling like a victim of circumstance with little control or responsibility over your life. You let life happen to you instead of making choices to shape your destiny.
- Lacking motivation to change behaviors or take action because you believe external forces will override your efforts.
- Having difficulty accepting responsibility for mistakes, failures, or poor choices. It’s always someone’s or something else’s fault.
The good news is that you can work to develop an internal locus of control. Start by taking responsibility for your actions and outcomes, setting small goals, and acknowledging your achievements. Don’t blame outside forces; look at what you can control and influence. Your life is shaped by the choices you make, so choose wisely and believe in your ability to determine your own destiny.
People with an External Locus of Control
People with an external locus of control are characterized by their belief that external forces, rather than their own actions, have a major influence on the events and outcomes in their lives. Here are some of the key characteristics of individuals who exhibit an external locus of control:
- Attribution to External Causes: They are more likely to attribute their successes and failures to external factors such as luck, fate, timing, or the actions of others rather than their own efforts or abilities.
- Perceived Lack of Control: These individuals often feel that they have little control over their lives and that they are subject to the whims of external circumstances.
- Greater Susceptibility to Influence: Due to their belief in the power of external factors, they may be more easily influenced or swayed by others’ opinions and actions.
- Higher stress and anxiety: They can experience higher levels of stress and anxiety because they feel they cannot control important aspects of their lives, which may lead to feelings of helplessness.
- Lower Proactivity: People with an external locus of control may be less proactive in taking steps to change or improve their situation, as they may believe such efforts will have little impact.
- Difficulty with Decision-Making: Because they feel that outcomes are not tied to their choices, they may have difficulty making decisions or may be more indecisive.
- Tendency to Blame Others: When things go wrong, these individuals might blame others or external circumstances rather than considering their own role in the outcome.
- Less goal-oriented behavior: They may be less likely to set and pursue personal goals, particularly if those goals require sustained personal effort and a belief in the possibility of influencing outcomes.
- Lower Achievement Levels: Research suggests that an external locus of control is often associated with lower levels of achievement in various areas of life, including academics and careers.
- Reliance on External Validation: People with an external locus of control may seek external validation and approval more frequently, as they may attribute their self-worth to external judgments rather than internal self-assessment.
It’s important to note that locus of control is a spectrum, and individuals may exhibit characteristics of both internal and external locus of control to varying degrees. Furthermore, an external locus of control is not inherently negative; it can be contextually beneficial, such as in uncontrollable or unpredictable situations where it might help maintain psychological well-being by avoiding self-blame. However, a strong external locus of control can be limiting and lead to less adaptive behaviors and outcomes, making it worthwhile for individuals to strive for a more balanced perspective.
Why do some people develop an external locus of control?
Some people develop an external locus of control due to experiences in their early environment and upbringing. If you grew up experiencing a lack of control over situations in your life, you may come to believe that outside forces primarily determine what happens to you. Several factors can contribute to this.
- Unresponsive or neglectful parents. Without supportive parents to help build confidence in your ability to influence events, you may feel powerless in the face of life’s challenges.
- Traumatic or adverse childhood experiences. Going through difficult life events like abuse, poverty, the loss of a loved one, or other trauma as a child can make you feel that you have little control or self-determination.
- Overprotective or authoritarian parents. If your parents were overprotective or controlling, you may not have developed a sense of personal competence or self-efficacy. You rely on others to determine outcomes rather than believing in your own abilities.
- Learned helplessness. Repeatedly facing situations where nothing you do seems to matter or make a difference can teach you that outside forces control what happens to you. You come to believe that your own actions or choices won’t change the outcome.
- Self-fulfilling prophecies. Believing that external factors determine your fate can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. You don’t try as hard to influence situations, so you indeed have less control or success, reinforcing your belief in external control. It’s a vicious cycle.
The good news is that you can work to develop a more internal locus of control. Building self-confidence, learning positive ways of thinking, and taking action in areas where you do have influence can help you gain a stronger sense of self-determination. While you can’t control everything that happens, you can choose to focus on the power you do have.
How an External Locus of Control Affects
It impacts our lives on different paths in different ways.
Impacts on Behavior and Psychology
The belief system associated with an external locus of control can significantly impact an individual’s behavior and psychological well-being. Here are some of the key effects:
- Passivity: People with an external locus of control may be more passive, waiting for things to happen rather than taking proactive steps to achieve their goals.
- Learned Helplessness: Repeated experiences that reinforce the idea that one’s actions have little impact can lead to learned helplessness, where the individual stops trying to change their situation.
- Reactions to Stress: Those with an external locus of control may have a more challenging time coping with stress, as they feel they have less control over stressful situations.
- Risk-taking: They may be less inclined to take risks or seize opportunities, fearing that external factors will negate their efforts.
- Dependency: There can be a tendency to rely on others to make decisions or to wait for external guidance, leading to a lack of independence.
Psychological Impact
An external locus of control can also have profound implications for an individual’s mental health.
- Anxiety and Stress: Believing that one has little control over life’s events can increase feelings of anxiety and stress, as it can create a sense of unpredictability and helplessness.
- Lower Self-Esteem: When successes are attributed to external factors, it can diminish one’s sense of personal achievement and erode self-esteem.
- Depression: A strong external locus of control is associated with depressive symptoms, as individuals may feel powerless to improve their circumstances.
- Difficulty Coping: Coping strategies may be less effective if individuals feel they cannot influence their situation, leading to maladaptive coping mechanisms such as denial or avoidance.
How an External Locus of Control Affects Relationships
When you have an external locus of control, you believe that outside forces control your life rather than your own actions or choices. This can negatively impact your relationships in several ways: People with an external locus of control often feel like victims of circumstance. They blame outside factors for their own failures or shortcomings instead of taking responsibility. This can be frustrating for friends and partners who want to see them succeed and grow. Your loved ones may feel like they have to constantly reassure and prop you up.
Those with an external locus of control frequently depend on the approval and validation of others. They rely heavily on what people think about them to determine their own self-worth. This can put a lot of pressure on relationships and may cause resentment over time. Your friends and family want you to believe in yourself for who you are.
People who feel they lack control over their lives tend to be more anxious and pessimistic. This outlook can spread to others in the relationship and bring them down. While your loved ones want to support you, constant negativity and worry take an emotional toll. They may feel drained from always having to lift your spirits and outlook.
The good news is that you can work to shift your mindset to an internal locus of control. Focus on the power you have over your choices and reactions. Take responsibility for both your successes and failures. Value yourself for who you are, not what others think of you. Practice self-compassion and positive thinking. Making these changes will strengthen your relationships as you become a source of support and optimism for others. Everyone will benefit when you realize you are in the driver’s seat of your own life.
The Link Between External Locus of Control and Mental Health
People with an external locus of control believe that outside forces control their lives. They see themselves as passive players who can’t influence the events around them. Not surprisingly, this outlook is linked to poorer mental health and well-being.
When you have an external locus of control, you feel that you lack agency over your own life. You believe that your destiny is shaped by external factors like luck, fate, or the influence of powerful others. This can foster feelings of helplessness and depression. After all, if you think you have no control over your life, why try to improve your situation?
- Those with an external locus of control are more prone to anxiety and stress. They see the world as an unpredictable place where bad things just happen to them out of nowhere. This uncertainty and lack of perceived control fuel anxiety and worry.
- People with an external locus of control often struggle with low self-esteem. If you believe that outside forces determine your outcomes, you’ll have a hard time feeling confident in yourself or proud of your achievements. You’ll attribute your wins to luck rather than your own skills and efforts.
- An external locus of control is linked to poorer health habits and outcomes. If you feel that your health is outside of your control, you’ll be less likely to exercise, eat right, limit unhealthy habits, and follow medical advice. After all, what’s the point if your health is simply a result of fate or chance?
The good news is that your locus of control isn’t set in stone. With conscious effort, you can work to develop a more internal locus of control. This means accepting more responsibility for your life, focusing on the things within your influence, and recognizing how your own choices and behaviors shape your outcomes. It’s not easy, but making this mental shift can significantly improve your well-being and happiness.
Tips for Dealing With Someone With an External Locus of Control
When interacting with someone who always blames outside forces for their circumstances, it can be frustrating. But there are a few techniques you can use to constructively communicate with this person:
- Avoid accusing them of “making excuses.” This will likely make them defensive and damage your rapport. Instead, listen without judgment and reflect on their feelings. Say something like, “It sounds like you felt you had no control over what happened.” This validates their experience without reinforcing their external locus of control.
- Help them see their own influence. Gently remind them of their abilities and accomplishments. For example, you might say, “Remember last month when you worked hard studying for that exam and earned an A? You have the power to impact outcomes.” Provide specific examples to help build their sense of personal competence.
- Focus on solutions, not problems. Rather than complaining about situations they feel powerless in, redirect them to focusing on actions they can take. Ask questions like, “What’s one thing you have control over in this situation?” and “What’s a small step you could take to start improving things?” This can help shift their mindset to an internal locus of control.
- Set small, achievable goals. Don’t overwhelm them with major life changes. Help them set modest goals and acknowledge their wins, no matter how small. Success builds upon itself, and achieving goals boosts motivation and a sense of empowerment. Celebrate milestones together to keep them motivated for continued progress.
- Model an internal locus of control for yourself. Share examples of situations where you took responsibility for outcomes, both good and bad. Discuss the lessons you learned and how you grew from the experiences. Your own stories can positively influence them in a subtle, meaningful way.
- With patience and the right communication approach, you can support someone with an external locus of control in developing a more empowered view of themselves and greater responsibility for their life path. But ultimately, the choice is up to them. You can lead the horse to water, as the saying goes, but you can’t make it drink.
Can you change from external to internal loci of control?
It’s possible to shift from an external to an internal locus of control, but it requires conscious effort and practice. Here are some techniques you can try:.
- Acknowledge your own role. Notice the times you blame outside forces and look for ways you contributed to the outcome. Even small mistakes or imperfect decisions you made. This helps you gain awareness of your internal control.
- Take responsibility for your actions. Say “I” instead of “they made me do it.” Be accountable for your choices and how you respond to situations. Own up to your mistakes and flaws. This empowering approach builds an internal locus of control.
- Focus on what you can control. You can’t control other people or external events, but you can control how you interpret and react to them. Pay attention to your own attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors. Make a choice to respond in a constructive way.
- Celebrate your wins. Don’t attribute your successes to luck or chance. Give yourself credit for your efforts and accomplishments. Be proud of what you achieve through your own skills, knowledge, and hard work. This reinforces your internal control.
- Practice positive self-talk. Speak to yourself with encouragement and praise. Replace “I can’t” with “I can try.” Frame setbacks as temporary rather than permanent. Your self-perception shapes your locus of control, so make sure it’s empowering.
- Take action. Don’t feel helpless in difficult situations. Figure out what steps you can take to positively influence the outcome. Even small actions help build an internal locus of control. Your actions can make a difference.
With regular practice of these techniques, you can strengthen your internal locus of control. But be patient with yourself, as lifelong habits and thought patterns won’t change overnight. Developing an empowering mindset is a journey. Stay determined and consistent, and your hard work will pay off.
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The Benefits of Developing an Internal Locus of Control
People with an internal locus of control believe that the events in their lives are the result of their own actions and decisions. Developing an internal locus of control comes with many benefits.
You’ll feel empowered and in control of your life. When you believe you are in the driver’s seat, you feel equipped to steer yourself in the direction you want to go. You don’t feel like a victim of circumstances or fate. This sense of empowerment will give you the confidence to set goals and work to achieve them.
You’ll become a better problem-solver. With an internal locus of control, you look for solutions rather than excuses. You believe you have the ability to influence outcomes, so you search for ways to do so. This solution-focused mindset is essential for overcoming obstacles and adversity.
Your resilience and persistence will increase. Setbacks and failures won’t defeat you because you know you can impact the situation. You look for ways to learn and improve for next time. With an internal locus of control, you believe in your own ability to pick yourself back up, dust yourself off, and try again.
You’ll achieve more success and happiness. When you believe in your own ability to shape your destiny, you take action and make choices that lead you closer to your goals and dreams. You don’t sit around waiting for good things to come to you. You go out and work to create the life you desire. This active participation in your own success and happiness leads to greater fulfillment and life satisfaction.
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Conclusion
Having an external locus of control can shape one’s life experiences, often leading to a sense of passivity and reliance on external circumstances. However, by employing strategies to foster a more proactive mindset, individuals can begin to see the impact of their actions and take greater ownership of their lives. It’s important to recognize that, while we cannot control every aspect of our lives, our responses to external events are within our power. Cultivating this understanding can lead to a more balanced locus of control and improved well-being.
References
- Unhappy With Work? Shift From An External To Internal Locus Of Control by Naira Velumyan from Forbes
- Locus of Control: How It Affects Your Life and How To Manage It
- How Does the Locus of Control Affect Your Relationships? Written and verified by the psychologist Valeria Sabater.
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