Locus of control refers to the extent to which individuals believe they have control over events in their lives. Those who believe they can personally influence the events that happen to them exhibit an internal locus of control. In contrast, those who believe events in their lives are outside of their personal control (e.g., due to powerful others, fate, luck, or chance) exhibit external locus of control. This entry provides an overview of locus of control, a brief description of group and cultural differences, and a summary of the measurement of locus of control.

Although locus of control is sometimes seen as a stable personality trait, theory and research indicate that it is largely a learned response. Locus of control is often included as a variable ...