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Locus of Control Test

20 Questions
3 Minutes

Do you believe you have agency in your life?

If you think that most of what happens in your life is out of your hands, you could be said to have an external locus of control. If you believe you have the power to direct your life and set your own fate, you may have more of an internal locus of control. Find out where you land, and what it might mean.

Using the key below, answer the questions based on how strongly you agree or disagree with the statement.

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Strongly Agree
Agree
1. If I can’t do something right the first time, I just keep trying until I can.
Disagree
Agree
2. Heredity is the major factor in determining someone’s personality.
Disagree
Agree
3. You can overcome a bad first impression and end up getting along with someone.
Disagree
Agree
4. I don’t like to plan too far ahead because you never know what’s going to happen.
Disagree
Agree
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5. I make sure that I get all recommended medical tests for someone my age.
Disagree
Agree
6. Sometimes when you face a tough decision, you might as well flip a coin.
Disagree
Agree
7. Recovery from illness depends mostly on luck.
Disagree
Agree
8. People can overcome a rough childhood if they work hard.
Disagree
Agree
9. A successful career depends mostly on being in the right place at the right time
Disagree
Agree
10. Intelligence is innate.
Disagree
Agree
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11. Most of the time, in most areas of my life, I feel like I’m in control.
Disagree
Agree
12. Someone who is generally happy and positive has probably had an easy life.
Disagree
Agree
13. Any committed citizen can have an influence on their government.
Disagree
Agree
14. You can’t avoid your fate.
Disagree
Agree
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15. You can change your personality if you work at it.
Disagree
Agree
16. There’s nothing you can do to avoid getting sick.
Disagree
Agree
17. People who have miserable lives can usually blame their parents.
Disagree
Agree
18. If I see something unfair, I try to change it.
Disagree
Agree
19. There is no such thing as luck.
Disagree
Agree
20. When people struggle, it’s usually because of their own mistakes.
Disagree
Agree

Who Is This Test For?

This test is for anyone curious about their personality, or concerned about their sense of control over their life. This test is not intended to be diagnostic.

We value your privacy - see how we protect the info you provide when you take this test.

How to Get Help

If you think this aspect of your personality is holding you back personally or professionally, you can speak to a mental health professional about ways to shift your behavior. You can find one near you in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory. 

Sources

Kassianos, Symeou, & Ioannou. The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales.

Rotter, Julian B. The Locus of Control Scale.

Scherer, M., et al. The Self-Efficacy Scale: Construction and validation.

Schwarzer, R. and M. Jerusalem. The General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale