When something goes wrong, it’s natural to cast blame on the perceived cause of the misfortune. Where an individual casts that blame can be related, in many cases, to a psychological construct known as “locus of control.”
What Is Locus of Control? (Plain Language Explanation)
Locus of Control refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Locus of Control
- Symptoms: The specific ways locus of control shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen locus of control
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When locus of control occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Locus of Control
- Locus of Control is far more common than most people realize
- Locus of Control is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with locus of control see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about locus of control is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing locus of control, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.