locus of control

a construct that is used to categorize people’s basic motivational orientations and perceptions of how much control they have over the conditions of their lives. People with an external locus of control tend to behave in response to external circumstances and to perceive their life outcomes as arising from factors out of their control. People with an internal locus of control tend to behave in response to internal states and intentions and to perceive their life outcomes as arising from the exercise of their own agency and abilities. [introduced into psychology by Julian Rotter]

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Psychology term of the day

April 16th 2024

circumcision

n. the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis, typically for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. Circumcision is often performed in infancy but may be performed at any age.