Locus of Control & Anxiety

The locus of control is a psychological concept that focuses on the perspective individuals have about themselves in regards to their own agency, or ability to be successful.

Locus of Control

• According to the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory's article "Locus of Control," the locus of control essentially determines whether individuals believe they are in control of their own lives and the circumstances that they are involved in.

Internal Locus of Control

• A person with an internal locus of control feels that she is the ultimate determiner of her success and failure.

External Locus of Control

• A person with an external locus of control feels that he is essentially at the mercy of fate and has little control over the events of his life. According to the article "Locus of Control" by Susan A. Santo, students with an external locus of control are more prone to experiencing test anxiety or academic anxiety than those with an internal locus of control.

Symptoms of Anxiety

• According to the article "Anxiety Attacks and Disorders: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment," people who experience anxiety often have difficulty concentrating, feel easily overwhelmed and often anticipate the worst. While there have been few scientific studies done that show a correlation between locus of control and anxiety, it has been theorized that those with anxiety often have an external locus of control.

Treatment

• Treatment for anxiety involves cognitive behavioral therapy and anti-anxiety medication. These methods work to re-frame the skewed thinking associated with an anxiety disorder and increase the brain chemicals that create feelings of security and confidence.