Final answer:
Locus of control, as defined by Julian Rotter, dramatically affects individuals' approach to life, with those having an internal locus taking responsibility for outcomes, and those with an external locus attributing outcomes to external factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of locus of control is a cognitive factor that affects how individuals perceive and navigate their environment, based on the work of psychologist Julian Rotter. An individual with an internal locus of control believes that their actions and decisions directly influence the outcomes in their lives, fostering responsibility, healthy habits, career success, and generally better coping mechanisms. This contrasts with someone who has an external locus of control. They perceive outcomes as being largely beyond their personal influence, attributing events to factors such as luck, fate, or the actions of others, which can lead to a passive approach to life challenges, often resulting in higher stress and less success in areas like health and career.
For instance, if someone attributes failing a test to not studying enough, they display an internal locus of control. On the contrary, if they blame the failure on an unfair test or dislike by the teacher, this indicates an external locus of control. Understanding locus of control can be important in developing strategies for improving an individual's sense of agency and overall well-being.