Locus of Control

While discovering where I stand on the locus of control scale, I learned that I have found a spot right in the center of internal and external. After doing more research I have come to realize that there are benefits and setbacks to both areas of control. A person who identifies as having an internal LoC is consistently taking responsibility for their actions and outcomes no matter the circumstance. This is beneficial in the fact that these individuals believe in their successes and positive outcomes that come about are from their hard work alone. However, without the external LoC it is more difficult to become a team player. Those individuals with an external LoC believe in outside forces playing a role in success including other team members. of course, there is a drawback to this mindset as well because these types of individuals do not often take responsibility for mistakes because it was not in their control in the first place.

The Locus of control is an important lesson for all future OT practitioners to learn because there should be a balance between external and internal in order to find success in this field. Practitioners must be mindful of the ability to take ownership of successes such as a job promotion, but also take ownership of faults as well, such as leaving documentation unfinished. A practitioner can help to further their career by showing respect for one’s self and co-workers, and in turn will establish relationships based off trust.  On the other hand, it is also useful to have an external LoC outlook when outcomes occur that are out of an individual’s control such as a patient becoming ill. It is important to look at situations like this as outside forces that are controlling the situation to ensure that clinicians are not being too hard on themselves and be able to forgive the situation. An external focus is also crucial while working with an interdisciplinary team in order to understand the solutions and outcomes can be formulated from someone else other than one’s self.  

The balance between internal and external LoC should be taught to future clients. Those who have an internal LoC are more likely to take control of their health and seek medical advice when needed. They are more likely to care about their physical well-being and will be less likely to engage in risky healthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and eating lots of high fat foods. It is also important for future clients to understand that some conditions may be inevitable and to not dwell on what has already occurred by rather be compliant to treatment and prevention of co-morbidities.  

(n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2020, from https://study.com/academy/lesson/locus-of-control-definition-and-examples-of-internal-and-external.html