Locus of Control

According to the Locus of Control, there are 2 types: internal and external. They can range from extreme internal to extreme external, or anywhere in between. An individual with a strong internal locus of control believe that things in their life is caused by their own personal actions. These individuals often blame themselves for everything that happens in their life. An individual with a strong external locus of control believe that things in their life are caused by external factors in their life, and not by them. These individuals often blame others and outside factors for things that happen in their life.

For an Occupational Therapist, it is important for us to understand Locus of Control. Without understanding this concept, it would be difficult for us to develop a treatment plan that best fit the personality of the client. Also, we need to understand what our personal Locus of Control is, so that we can be the best practitioner that we can be. If we understand which side of the continuum we fall into, it will be easier for us to help clients that have the same, or even opposite locus of controls as we do.

After I completed the Rotter’s Locus of Control Questionnaire, the results were not what I expected. I was expecting to be more on the side of internal locus of control, but according to the results, I was more toward the external locus of control. Even though the results were not what I was expecting, it is important that I understand my locus of control and how it affects my personality. I believe this will make me a better OT practitioner because I will be able to understand which treatment plans will work best for each type of locus of control.