Locus of Control

     This week, we have learned the difference between an internal locus of control versus an external locus of control. Playing collegiate sports, I had the opportunity to learn about this topic numerous times. My coaches constantly harped on the importance of possessing an external locus of control, where everything that happens in a game is based upon one's own hard work, determination, abilities, and skills, rather than luck. I have grown to apply these beliefs in many aspects of my life, especially in my education and determination in getting into occupational therapy school during undergrad. While I have learned about this topic several times, it has never occurred to me until now how I can influence another person's locus of control, especially in a future client. 

    After this lecture, I have learned how influential a person's locus of control can be in his or her recovery. A client who possesses an external locus of control oftentimes believes that his or her recovery is greatly influenced by luck and/or his or her therapist or doctor's abilities. A client who views the world in this way can often make excuses and place blame on external factors for misfortunes and even gains, rather than believing that he or she possesses the power to influence his or her own wellbeing. 

    As a future OT practitioner who has an internal locus of control, I will have many opportunities to influence a client's own locus of control and confidence. There are many ways that I can do this, starting with building a strong therapeutic relationship and rapport with a client.  While in each session I will most likely be focused on strengthening things such as a client's strength, ROM, coordination, etc., I should be equally as focused on strengthening the client's own self-confidence and awareness of their own capabilities. Rather than doing everything for a client, I should be encouraging them to discover ways to perform the actions themselves. An example would be to provide a home exercise program to a client. At first, I would bring them through the motions, but then I would eventually have them go through the motions independently, thus allowing them to see that they are completely capable of doing the activities by themselves. 

    By encouraging an internal locus of control in clients, they will begin to believe that success and setbacks are not always by chance, but instead greatly based upon their own mindset and actions. A client who puts in the effort during therapy sessions and at home will most likely make much more progress toward recovery than a client who relies only upon the efforts of their therapist.