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 [lo´kus] (L.)

1. a place or site.

2. in genetics, the specific site of a gene on a chromosome.

locus ceru´leus a pigmented eminence in the superior angle of the floor of the fourth ventricle of the brain.

locus of control a belief regarding responsibility for actions. Individuals with an internal locus of control generally hold themselves responsible for actions and consequences, while those with an external locus of control tend to believe that they are not able to affect a personal outcome and that luck or destiny are responsible for their actions.

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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.