locus of control (redirected from rotter)

locus of control

n.

A theoretical construct designed to assess a person's perceived control over his or her own behavior. The classification internal locus indicates that the person feels in control of events; external locus indicates that others are perceived to have that control.

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locus of control

Etymology: L, locus, place; Fr, controle

a center of perceived responsibility for one's behavior. Individuals with an internal locus of control believe that they can control events related to their life, whereas those with an external locus of control tend to believe that real power resides in forces outside themselves and determines their life.

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locus of control,

n the orientation that a person holds as to where control over life events is relative to the self—internal or external meaning, self-control, or other-controlled.

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locus of control,

n a psychologic concept that defines people as having either an internal or external locus of control, depending on whether they are more self-reliant and independent or more communally focused and dependent on others.