Based on Rotter's social-learning theory of personality, the phrase "Locus of Control" (LoC) has become the main part of this particular framework. Based upon a video, it created a break down of what each term means. The term "locus" is defined as the position or location where something occurs. The term "control" is defined as an outcome determined by direct influence of actions, people, and events. Overall, this framework refers to a person's beliefs about who or what can control what happens in their life. There are two terms that signify what we are as a person - internal locus of control and external locus of control. For internal locus of control, these are the people that believe they play a big part in shaping their future. Whereas, external locus of control believe that things just happen to them. They attribute their success to outside sources. There is a questionnaire that can be taken called "Rotter's Locus of Control Scale" that determines if the person is internal or external locus of control.
After I took the questionnaire, it was determines that I was internal locus of control. I do have to agree with some of that. For example, I tend to blame myself if I miss an opportunity that I could have had - I didn't study hard enough. Internal locus of control is also based on those who take action on a good or bad situation. As well as good team players. For external locus of control, those individuals tend to blame others. For example, if a person didn't graduate on time, the person may blame it on the professors. As mentioned in the video we had the opportunity to watch, I am someone who can bounce between both internal and external locus of control. I have to admit that I have blamed others in the past when it wasn't their fault, because I felt stressed or anxiety. However, I also am one who blames myself for different things - I tend to be hard on myself.
Having read more about locus of control, I now have a better understanding of this concept. Going forward, I can use this concept as a way to be a better OT practitioner. I feel that being more of internal locus of control I will have a greater impact on my clients. I don't want to blame my clients for something they cannot control. In addition, as a future OT practitioner, this is also important to keep in mind when with a client. We can potentially use this questionnaire as a means to clarify the persons locus of control. This can help us determine reasoning behind behaviors or personalities and figure out an appropriate way to work with that client.
References
YouTube. (2014, May 29). Locus of Control Definition and Examples of Internal and External. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF6mRWSiwhY&t=161s.
Wikimedia Foundation. (2021, June 7). Locus of control. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locus_of_control.
Blackboard handout
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