Locus Of Control In Personality Psychology

In Personality psychology, Locus of control refers to the extent to which individuals believe they can control events affecting them. Understanding of the concept was developed by Julian B. Rotter in 1954, and has since become an aspect of personality studies. A belief of individuals about controllability over what happens to them in life is a core element of their understanding of how they live in the world. Locus of control is a personality construct that reflects one’s belief or perception about who controls life and the environment. The belief can exist in varying levels, reflecting the degree to which one perceives personal control in life and over the environment. Locus of control has been described as a dimension with two opposing differentiates.

It consists of 6 dimensions as follows –
Purpose in life is discussed as a key factor of maturity in many developmental theories (Ryff, 1989). As mature individuals are characterized by having life’s purpose, having intentionality, and directedness, it is assumed that people’s well-being is dentified by this component. More specifically, if someone enjoys making plans for his or her future and works for making them a reality; or being an active person in carrying out his plans, he/she has a purpose in life.
Self-acceptance is defined as a sense of recognition of personal abilities and achievements as well as acknowledging and accepting personal limitations (Ryff, 1989). Self-acceptance is the most recurring mark of well-being that determines “self-actualization, optimal functioning, and maturity”. Self-acceptance also refers to two features of positive functioning: the acceptance of one’s own past and the acceptance of self. Having self-acceptance, individuals accept their past mistakes, but they may conclude that everything has worked out for the best. They are also confident and positive about their

This ability implies that individuals need, first, to identify their potentials; second, to actualize and develop them. To make this process applicable, individual should be open to experience (Ryff, 1989). According to Ryff (1989), openness to experience is a major characteristic of a fully functioning person. Since most developmental theories state on a sense of growth and continuation of growth, personal growth can be a main component of mental health. Corsini (1999) noted that personal growth may include an individual’s skillfulness in relationships, willingness to take initiatives, leadership, and understanding of others that can be reached even in personal growth laboratory through various qualities of experience and terms such as art activities, logical debates, interaction on an emotional level, and sensory