Locus of Control
In considering the current crises in American society, in which we are dealing with the disease of Trump, it may be useful to understand a concept from the field of “personality psychology.” It is the concept of “locus of control,” first identified by Julian Rotter in 1954. In the decades since, it has become an essential part of “health psychology,” and as we are currently in an extremely unhealthy place and time, it might be worth thinking about.
“Locus” means, of course, location. In this case, we can use a straight line for our model. On the left is “internal,” and to the right is “external.” The line measures the sense of control a person believes they have over events – including their role in the event itself, and how they respond to it – in their lives. These events include everything from small to large, and everything in between.
A person with an internal locus of control takes responsibility for their life. This does not mean they believe they can control all external events, such as other people in their family, school, workplace, or on the highway. Rather, they prepare for events in their lives, and take responsibility for their own actions.
A person with an external locus of control believes that he/she is a powerless victim of circumstance. They find excuses for their own lack of preparation and their unwillingness to attempt to make changes in their lives. “I've tried that, and it didn't work,” is a common mantra among them. More, there are two other behaviors found among them: they blame their suffering exclusively upon others, and are prone to putting responsibility on anyone and everyone but themselves.
Most people, of course, fall somewhere in between the two extremes. Only a fool would believe that they have the ability to exercise control of everything in their life. Only a sociopath would want to control everyone around them. Likewise, only a sad or angry Eeyore seeks to avoid any and all responsibility, and place all blame upon others.
Trump, by the way, is atypical, in the sense that he believes he should have the ultimate power to control virtually everything, and yet at the same time, seeks to blame others for his own failures. Thus, anyone who “dares” disagree with him on any issue, large or small, is subject to his wrath. If he cannot “control” their thoughts and actions, he wants to punish them. Again, he is a sociopath.
When an individual is facing a serious illness or injury, the medical field recognizes that “locus of control” will play a significant role in their recovery. Trump is a social disease that has caused serious injury to this country. Our “locus of control” will determine if we are successful in recovering and creating a healthy culture.
Peace,
H2O Man
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