Internal and External Locus of Control (LOC)

This concept is very helpful when we are mending our trauma. Internal LOC indicates that you are less impacted by external circumstances. External LOC indicates that you are very impacted by external circumstances.

Those of us who are frequently stressed or upset throughout the day are more likely to be operating from an External LOC, which is a trauma response. Unfortunately, this perspective can contribute to a sense of hopelessness and powerlessness in our lives. This is because we CANNOT control anything outside of ourselves (and sometimes we can’t even control ourselves). Basing our view of ourselves and the world only on external circumstances limits our sense of choice. If I believe that I can only be okay if the people and things around me are the way that I want them to be then I’m in trouble.

Understanding the difference between Internal and External LOC allows you to increase your awareness of how you are impacted by the world around you and allows you to make an agentive choice about what you’d like to do with this new awareness.

Want to develop a stronger sense of Internal LOC?

Understand that no matter what happens outside of you, the better you manage your thoughts, feelings, and behavior, the more peace, contentment, and emotional regulation you will have. Mending your nervous system also helps you to develop more Internal LOC.

Which is your most common perspective? Internal or External LOC?

Do you tend to blame others for your emotions and behaviors? That is an External LOC, and causes a lot of distress for you.

What is one way that you can avoid blaming others for how you think, feel, and behave?