locus of control

Locus of control theory is a concept in between psychology and sociology, related to where individuals conceptually place responsibility, choice, and control for events in their lives. It distinguishes between two common approaches, which place the actual control either internal or external to the person themselves. This decision, which is not usually within conscious awareness, strongly influences motivation and a sense of self direction and psychological integrity on the one hand (if seen as something outside the control of the person themselves), and supports notions of helplessness, blame, and lack of psychological potency on the other (if seen as something held by others or by ones self)..
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a concept introduced into social learning theory the nineteen-sixties by J.B. Rotter.  People could have either an internal or an external locus of control.  If their locus of control was internal, they would seem themselves as doing things that resulted in things happening s they do.  People with an external locus of control felt themselves to be a pawn of circumstance.