Locus of control refers to the source of influence, whether it be internal or external, toward a certain outcome in individuals’ lives. However, it’s not a black and white concept, rather a spectrum. Someone with a greater internal locus of control believes that their own actions are the source of what occurs around them. On the contrary, someone with a greater external locus of control, believes that life’s occurrences are determined by influences outside of one’s control.
As we’ve learned in school, one’s ability to adapt is a valuable trait as an OT. This means understanding the situation, accepting what is in and out of our control, and adjusting to the best of our ability. Situations created by our external environment will present themselves frequently, and it’s with the extent of our internal locus of control that we are able to approach the situation.
Just like ourselves, it is just as if not more important for our clients to acknowledge and understand their own locus of control. As therapists, understanding our clients’ locus of control can help us approach our client and guide our treatment. It is our job to educate our clients, and sometimes that is accompanied by helping them discern what is in and out of their control. If it’s out of someone’s control, maybe the therapist and client can collaborate to approach it in a way that improves the client’s perspective on the situation.
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