Locus of Control

People with an internal locus of control – i.e., people who feel that they control their own des7ny,
rather than their fate being largely determined by external forces – tend to be happier, less
depressed, and less stressed than those with an external locus of control.1

It is possible for anyone to shi> from a more external locus of control to a more internal locus.
This worksheet is designed to assist in this process.



When you find yourself saying: Try rephrasing:

I can’t… I choose. I am in control…

There is nothing I can do. Let's look at the alterna7ves…

I have no op7ons. I may not like my op7ons, but I will…

He makes me so angry… I can control my feelings and reac7ons…

I must… I prefer…

That's just the way I am. I can choose a different approach…

They won't allow that… I can make an effec7ve presenta7on…

I have to… I will choose an appropriate response…

If only… I will…

1
Krause, N. and S. Stryker. ”Stress and well-being: the buffering role of locus of control beliefs.” Soc. Sci.
Med. 1984;18(9):783-90.

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With respect to a point of stress, or just life in general…

I can control the following: I cannot control the following:

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How can I maintain, reinforce, or strengthen How can I deal with, accept, or embrace
what I can control? what I cannot control?

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