Locus of Control

 Everyone has a locus of control. This term refers to the spectrum on which someone views where the outcomes of one's life arise. If someone has a strong external locus of control, they believe that the environment controls the situations in their life. Someone with an external locus of control is more likely to believe in luck and say "these things always happen to me." If someone has a strong internal locus of control, they believe they are the reason for the situation. Someone with an internal locus of control is likely to believe they control their fate and work hard for desired outcomes. There is no right or wrong way to fall on the locus of control spectrum, however where a person stands can have a big influence on the way they live and respond in their daily life.  

Why does the locus of control matter for occupational therapy? An OT practitioner who knows about locus of control can use this knowledge in their therapeutic use of self when motivating clients during therapy. First, one must be able to recognize where someone falls on the spectrum. A client who has a strong external locus may see the OT as "fixing" them and put the responsibility on the OT for improved outcomes. However, improved outcomes are a team effort and OT's must instill intrinsic motivation in their clients so that they are motivated to carry over their treatments in to their daily living, where the majority of the work is done. It would be a good idea during therapy to appeal to someone's internal locus of control. Let the clients know they determine their fate and the outcome they receive from therapy will be proportional to the work and effort they put in to it. There are a few specific strategies OT's can use when trying to appeal to someone's internal locus of control, all of which involve encouragement. Here are a few things OT's can say during therapy:

• What did you do right just then?
• When have shown a positive spirit?
• What are you doing to reach your goals?
• What will be the benefit of achieving your goals?

By appealing to the client's internal locus of control and by using encouraging statements, clients are able to feel like they are in control of their progress and have a say in their treatment outcomes. It is important for clients to know they are in control over their progress and when they succeed in their goals it was because of the work they put forth.