Final answer:
Susan has an external locus of control, attributing life events to external factors beyond her influence, such as luck or other people, rather than her own actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Susan can be described as having an external locus of control because she tends to attribute things that happen to her as something over which she has little or no influence. When individuals like Susan perceive their outcomes in life as being controlled by external factors such as other people, luck, or fate, rather than their own efforts, they possess what is known as an external locus of control. This concept, proposed by Julian Rotter, contrasts with an internal locus of control, where individuals believe that they are the primary agents responsible for the outcomes in their lives.
For example, if Susan were to receive a poor grade on an exam, rather than attributing the result to her study habits (an internal locus of control), she might blame the difficulty of the exam or consider it as bad luck (an external locus of control). The perception of an external locus of control is often associated with avoiding challenging tasks, focusing on failure, losing confidence after setbacks, and being less proactive in changing one's circumstances. Moreover, consistent external attributions can impact one's mental health, possibly leading to feelings of helplessness or depression.
Answer: a) An external locus of control.