How Locus of Control Shapes Our Reality & Why It Matters
The concept of locus of control plays a pivotal role in shaping how we perceive our lives and navigate our realities. First introduced by psychologist Julian Rotter in 1954, locus of control refers to the degree to which individuals believe they have control over the outcomes in their lives. Those with an internal locus of control believe that their actions, decisions, and behaviors directly influence their destiny, while those with an external locus of control attribute outcomes to forces outside their control—such as fate, luck, or the influence of others.
The impact of locus of control on our personal and social realities cannot be overstated. It influences how we handle adversity, whether we take ownership of our mistakes, and how we interpret successes or failures. But what happens when this concept intersects with our deeper beliefs about the world, the divine, or societal structures? How does our internal vs. external locus of control shape the beliefs we hold about free will, responsibility, and the forces that guide us?
The Internal Locus of Control: Agency and Self-Determination
Individuals with an internal locus of control tend to approach life with a mindset of agency. They believe their success or failure is the result of their own actions. This perspective can lead to a greater sense of responsibility for one’s life and a deeper commitment to working toward personal goals. Research has shown that people with a strong internal locus of control are more likely to take proactive steps to address challenges and are less likely to feel helpless in the face of adversity (Rotter, 1966).
Moreover, those with an internal locus are typically more resilient, as they perceive themselves as having the ability to change their circumstances through effort and decision-making. This outlook often aligns with a belief in self-improvement, personal accountability, and individual empowerment, which can lead to greater psychological well-being.
However, an internal locus of control isn’t always without its drawbacks. It can sometimes foster perfectionism or an overwhelming sense of responsibility, particularly when individuals fail to acknowledge external factors that may be influencing their outcomes. In extreme cases, this can lead to stress or burnout, as the individual feels entirely responsible for all aspects of their life, regardless of the challenges posed by the environment or other people.
The External Locus of Control: Faith and Surrender
On the opposite side of the spectrum lies the external locus of control, where individuals believe that external forces, such as fate, luck, or divine intervention, dictate the outcomes of their lives. This perspective can bring comfort to those who face circumstances beyond their control, offering a sense of relief that the weight of responsibility isn’t solely on their shoulders. People who lean toward an external locus may also find peace in the idea that they are part of a greater, predetermined plan, often relying on faith to navigate uncertainty.
In a religious context, an external locus of control aligns closely with the concept of divine providence or submission to a higher power. For instance, people who are deeply religious might pray to a higher power for guidance, assistance, or intervention, believing that their faith can influence outcomes, even if their actions don’t directly affect the result. This kind of belief can foster a sense of security in knowing that there is a larger force at work, guiding or protecting them, and offering solace in the face of life’s unpredictable nature.
However, an excessive external locus of control can also lead to a sense of learned helplessness, where individuals believe they have no agency or influence over their lives. They may become passive, waiting for external circumstances or a higher power to change their situation. This can stunt personal growth and reduce motivation, as the individual may feel unable to alter their circumstances through their own efforts.
A Blended Locus of Control: A Necessary Balance?
In truth, a balanced locus of control that recognizes both personal agency and the influence of external factors may be the most adaptive approach. Many philosophers and psychologists agree that acknowledging both our control over certain aspects of our lives and the unpredictable nature of the world around us allows us to navigate challenges with greater resilience and adaptability.
For example, existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre argued for radical personal responsibility, where humans must confront the realization that, while we can’t control everything, we are always responsible for how we respond to circumstances. Similarly, Eastern philosophies, such as Buddhism, emphasize the importance of both understanding the impermanence of external forces and cultivating inner peace through mindfulness and personal discipline.
Self-Fulfilling Prophecies: How Our Beliefs Shape Our Realities
An important aspect to consider when exploring locus of control is how our beliefs about control can often lead to self-fulfilling prophecies. A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when a belief or expectation about a situation or person leads to behaviors that cause the belief to come true. This cycle is particularly relevant to the concept of locus of control because how we perceive control can profoundly affect our actions, which then shape our experiences and outcomes.
For example, if someone believes that their efforts won’t matter (an external locus of control), they may not take the necessary steps to improve their situation. This lack of action can then confirm their belief that they are powerless, reinforcing the external locus of control. Conversely, someone who believes their actions directly influence their success (an internal locus of control) will be more likely to take proactive steps toward achieving their goals, which in turn may increase their chances of success and confirm their belief in their agency.
This cyclical process can reinforce existing mindsets, whether internal or external. Psychologists such as Robert K. Merton, who coined the term “self-fulfilling prophecy,” showed how deeply held beliefs and expectations can shape the way we interact with the world, ultimately affecting our reality. The implications of this idea are profound, particularly when we consider how societal structures and personal belief systems reinforce the behaviors that lead to the outcomes we expect.
The Complex Interplay Between Control, Belief, and Reality
Ultimately, the way we perceive control—whether internal or external—shapes the reality we experience. If we lean too far into one belief system without acknowledging the complexity of the other, we risk missing out on the nuanced understanding of how we can influence our world and navigate life’s challenges. The key lies in recognizing that while we may not control everything, we always have control over how we respond to the forces at play.
When we consider self-fulfilling prophecies, we see how deeply intertwined our beliefs about control are with the actions we take—or fail to take. Our internal and external loci of control not only shape our behaviors but also influence the outcomes we encounter. Whether through the lens of religion, philosophy, or psychology, understanding how we perceive control offers profound insights into who we are and how we engage with the world.
As we grapple with larger existential questions—like whether we have free will or whether the universe is governed by a higher power—the idea of locus of control remains crucial in understanding our beliefs, our behaviors, and ultimately, the realities we create for ourselves.
Understanding this concept is the first step in becoming more conscious of how our beliefs shape our actions and, in turn, our lives.
Why an External Locus of Control So Often Leads to Systemic Oppression, Tyranny, and Mass Suffering
An external locus of control is the belief that outcomes in life are determined by external forces, such as fate, powerful others, or uncontrollable circumstances, rather than by one’s own actions. While this mindset might help individuals cope with unpredictability, when adopted at scale, it can create conditions ripe for systemic oppression, tyranny, and mass suffering. Here’s why:
1. The Surrender of Agency
When individuals believe their lives are controlled by outside forces, they are less likely to take proactive steps to effect change. This can lead to passivity and complacency, making it easier for authoritarian systems or oppressive regimes to gain power unchallenged. Tyrants thrive on populations unwilling to question their authority or to imagine alternative realities.
Case Example: Dictatorships often rely on narratives of inevitability, convincing people that their rule is the only option. By disempowering individuals and communities, they foster dependence on the state or ruling elite, reinforcing control.
2. Exploitation of Fear and Helplessness
An external locus of control can fuel a sense of helplessness, especially during crises. Authoritarian leaders often exploit this by offering “protection” or “order” in exchange for freedoms, creating a cycle of dependency that entrenches power structures.
Example in History: In the wake of economic and political turmoil, many Germans embraced Adolf Hitler’s regime, believing they were powerless to change their circumstances independently. This belief facilitated the rise of systemic oppression and the atrocities of the Nazi regime.
3. Collective Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
A widespread external locus of control can create societal conditions that perpetuate oppression. If people believe they cannot change their circumstances, they may fail to act, inadvertently confirming their perceived lack of control. This self-fulfilling prophecy strengthens the grip of oppressive systems.
Connection to Self-Fulfilling Prophecies: When individuals collectively expect negative outcomes, their inaction or resignation often ensures those outcomes occur. Conversely, societies that embrace an internal locus of control tend to foster activism, innovation, and resilience.
4. Encouragement of Scapegoating
An external locus of control can encourage individuals to blame external entities for personal or societal problems. This often leads to scapegoating, division, and marginalization, which tyrants can exploit to consolidate power.
Modern Context: The rise of conspiracy theories often reflects an external locus of control. By blaming shadowy elites or uncontrollable systems, individuals surrender their agency, creating fertile ground for demagogues to direct that blame toward targeted groups or “enemies.”
5. Systemic Oppression and Tyranny as the Natural Consequences
Authoritarian systems are structured to exploit external locus of control beliefs. They centralize power, enforce rigid hierarchies, and maintain control by persuading the populace that resistance is futile. Over time, this results in systemic oppression and mass suffering as dissent is stifled and inequalities are entrenched.
Philosophical Perspective: The French philosopher Étienne de La Boétie argued that tyranny exists not because tyrants are inherently powerful but because people collectively consent to their rule—often unconsciously—by surrendering their personal power.
The Need for Free Thought and Personal Freedom
To combat the dangers of external locus of control at a systemic level, societies must prioritize free thought, personal accountability, and enlightened reasoning. When individuals reclaim their agency and recognize their power to effect change, oppressive systems lose their grip.
An external locus of control does not just affect individuals—it shapes societies. By fostering passivity, helplessness, and a reliance on external forces, it creates fertile ground for tyranny and systemic oppression. Cultivating an internal locus of control, paired with education and a commitment to personal and collective accountability, is essential for building resilient and free societies. In this, awareness and action are our greatest tools against the dangers of control run amok.
Further Reading on Locus of Control and Belief Systems
• “Locus of Control: Current Trends in Theory and Research” by James M. Rotter, Psychological Monographs, 1966.
• “Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life” by Martin Seligman
• “The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck