Locus of Control Test

20 questions Confidential 87,720 completions
1

When I don't get something right initially, I stick with it until I figure it out.

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2

Your personality is mostly shaped by the traits you inherit from your family.

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3

Even if you start off on the wrong foot, you can still build a good relationship with someone.

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4

I avoid making long-term plans since life is unpredictable.

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5

I regularly schedule all the health screenings recommended for my age group.

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6

When you're stuck on a hard choice, sometimes it's easiest to leave it to chance.

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7

Getting better from an illness often comes down to random chance.

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8

With enough effort, people can move past a difficult childhood.

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9

Career success usually hinges on being at the right spot when opportunities arise.

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10

Intelligence is something you're born with.

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11

In most parts of my life, I generally feel like I'm calling the shots.

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12

People who seem cheerful and optimistic have likely had smooth sailing in life.

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13

Any dedicated person can make a difference in how their government operates.

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14

You can't escape what's meant to happen to you.

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15

With consistent effort, you can alter aspects of your personality.

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16

There's no way to completely prevent yourself from getting sick.

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17

People with unhappy lives often have their parents to thank for it.

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18

If I notice something unjust, I take steps to address it.

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19

Luck doesn't really exist as a force in the world.

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20

When people face challenges, it's typically due to errors they've made themselves.

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20 questions remaining

What You Should Know

  • Not everyone is born with a locus of control. Parents can promote an internal locus of control by exemplifying it and by encouraging children to cultivate independence and to connect actions with consequences.
  • Self-efficacy, or the belief that one can complete tasks and attain objectives, is associated with locus of control; typically, though not universally, individuals with an internal locus of control exhibit greater self-efficacy.
  • Locus of control and health are closely related. People who strongly believe that their actions shape their future are more likely to do things that are good for them, like eating well and working out.
  • Research has demonstrated that individuals possessing an internal locus of control generally exhibit superior academic performance and increased involvement in community and civic activities.
  • People who have an external locus of control may not think that their actions can change things, so they may not put in as much effort to do so. But when things don't go well, they might not blame themselves as much.

Change Now

  • Share the confidence. Your sense of agency can change depending on the situation. For example, you might feel in charge of your health but not your job. It can help to not be passive in all areas.

  • Limit blame: Pay attention to when you're blaming other people for your problems or bad feelings, and try to focus on the parts of a problem that you can control.

  • Talk to a professional: If you're worried about how much control you have over some parts of your life, talking to a therapist could help.

Locus of Control Test