I scored a 13 out of 23 on the Rotter's Locus of Control Scale, which is just about exactly in the middle. While filling out the questionnaire, I kept getting caught up on the questions that regarded things like luck. For me, it was difficult to say that I am the only reason why I am where I am today. When having to answer, I felt like I was discrediting the people and good fortune I’ve had in my life. In addition to this, I felt like I was minimizing people’s misfortunes that I have not experienced. After learning more about what an internal locus of control meant, I am apt to believe that my score would have been lower (indicating a more internal locus of control) if some of the questions were formatted differently. When considering what I learned about the spectrum of locus of control, there are several things that came to mind when trying to address locus of control within me and within the people whom I interact, like my future OT clients.
When I read more about the difference in internal versus external control. I noted that the times I seem to be having more thoughts that reflect an external locus of control tend to be times that I am also experiencing anxiety. One way I could address things when experiencing times like I mentioned is to practice techniques to help ground myself. This could help reduce my anxiety, and I also believe it could help change my external locus of control to a more internal one. To do this I could practice things like using a gratitude journal, writing down things I’ve accomplished in a day whether they’re small or big, etcetera. In addition to this, I think breaking down larger tasks I need to get done into smaller steps could also help me notice the progress I’d be making, which I normally might not. I think all of these techniques could guide me to a more internal locus of control, decrease my anxiety and overall help me be an effective, future OT practitioner.
One thing that came to my mind when reading the article “Are your patients out of control?” and thinking of my future clients is that some clients who are exhibiting an external locus of control, may also be showing signs of learned helplessness (Meira, 2013). This is something to look out for as an OT and makes sense when you think about it. For example, if someone is constantly having people do things for them that they can or may be able to do, it would be easy for them to forget about their own influence on what they can do. This could lead to feelings of loss of control and could discourage the client from putting for effort. This would be especially important to note, so that you could then appropriately address the situation with the client and/or even their caregiver(s). One way that it could be addressed, is to educate the client on and include the client in their care plan. Additionally, people exhibiting an external locus of control, could also benefit from learning various techniques to be present in their time with you and even outside of treatment. In addition to this, if a more passive treatment, like manual therapy, seems appropriate, I think it would be important to find some way to involve the client. This way, it avoids putting all of their improvement on you and makes them feel like they have a more prominent role in their overall health and recovery/progress. These are just a few ways I can take what I’ve learned about locus of control and apply it to myself and my future clients as an OT practitioner!
References
Meira, E. (2013) Are your patients out of control? The Science PT. https://thesciencept.com/are-your-patients-out-of-control/
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