Final answer:
Individuals with an internal locus of control blame themselves for their problems because they believe their actions are the main influencers of their lives. Conversely, those with an external locus of control attribute their problems to external factors. People with an internal locus of control are typically healthier, better at coping, and less likely to be depressed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals with an internal locus of control believe that they are primarily responsible for the events of their lives. In the context of who they tend to blame for their problems, those with an internal locus of control are more likely to blame themselves when things go wrong, as they consider their own actions and decisions as the main influencers of their outcomes. On the other hand, individuals with an external locus of control believe that external factors, such as other people, the environment, or luck, are more responsible for their experiences and life events.
For example, if a student with an internal locus of control performs poorly on a test, they may attribute their failure to their own lack of study or preparation. Contrastingly, a student with an external locus of control might blame the difficulty of the test or otherwise attribute their poor performance to factors outside their control.
Studies have shown that individuals with an internal locus of control are generally healthier, more adept at coping with life's stresses, and less prone to feeling depressed than those with an external locus of control.