Locus of Control and Behavioral Choice

Flashcards covering key concepts of locus of control, learned helplessness, and family systems theory.

What determines the effects of one’s actions in Rotter’s theory?

Beliefs about the cause of events.

What is internal LOC?

Belief that control lies within the person.

What is external LOC?

Belief that events are controlled by outside forces.

How do people learn about control?

Through life experiences.

What determines behavioral choice?

The action with the highest expected success, based on predicted effectiveness and context.

How are beliefs about influence formed?

Through reinforcement history.

What do LOC scales measure?

Sense of control over outcomes.

What does the overall LOC score show?

Whether a person tends toward internal or external control.

What do Success/Failure scales show?

Who or what is blamed for positive or negative events.

Where can LOC tools be used?

Research, diagnostics, forensic, education, rehabilitation.

How do internalizers respond to failure?

With guilt.

How do externalizers respond to failure?

They feel wronged.

Is locus of control fixed?

No — situations can strengthen internal or external LOC.

What is learned helplessness?

A state caused by repeated lack of control over stressful or unpleasant situations.

What does learned helplessness lead to?

Decreased motivation, anxiety, sadness/depression, lower self-efficacy, difficulty seeing links between action & outcome.

How can learned helplessness be prevented?

By strengthening belief in control.

What increases vulnerability to learned helplessness?

Attributional style and locus of control.

What is the key idea in family systems theory?

The family, not the individual, is the main unit of analysis.

How is personality shaped in family systems theory?

Through family interaction patterns, later reinforced in peer groups.

How are dysfunctions understood in family systems theory?

As belonging to dysfunctional groups, not 'dysfunctional people.'

What broader influences are increasingly recognized in family systems theory?

Cultural differences and gender influences.