🧭 Locus of Control Theory: Who’s Driving Your Life?

The locus of control theory explains how individuals perceive the source of control over their lives. It’s split into two types:

• Internal locus of control: belief that you control your outcomes

• External locus of control: belief that external forces dictate your fate

🎯 This theory often appears in MCAT psych/soc passages related to personality, behavior, and motivation.

🧠 Key Comparison Table

Type	Beliefs	MCAT Clue
Internal Locus	Belief that you control your own future and success	Linked with high self-efficacy and motivation
External Locus	Belief that outcomes are due to fate, luck, or others	Associated with learned helplessness and passivity

🧪 Example Scenarios

Situation	Internal Response	External Response
Failing a test	“I need to study harder next time.”	“That test was unfair. Nothing I could’ve done.”
Getting into med school	“My prep and effort paid off.”	“I just got lucky.”
Not getting a job	“I’ll improve my resume and try again.”	“It’s all about connections.”

💡 MCAT Application Tip

Watch for behavioral explanations or motivational outcomes in passages. Internal locus often links with:

• Higher self-efficacy

• Greater motivation

• Better coping strategies

External locus is associated with:

• Learned helplessness

• Anxiety or depression

• Attribution to fate or luck

📘 Conclusion

Knowing your locus of control isn’t just useful for the MCAT — it’s a powerful lens for understanding yourself. Those who believe they can control outcomes tend to act with purpose, resilience, and confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How many hours should I study for the MCAT each day?

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