What does an external locus of control imply about an individual's beliefs regarding control over their life?

An external locus of control reflects the belief that an individual's outcomes and experiences are predominantly influenced by external factors, such as luck, fate, or other people's actions. This perspective implies that the individual perceives a lack of personal control over their life circumstances and events, suggesting that they believe that much of what happens in their life is not the result of their own efforts or decisions.

In contrast, an internal locus of control would be characterized by the belief that one can influence their own outcomes through their actions and choices. A balanced view would indicate that the individual recognizes both internal (personal actions) and external (external influences) factors in determining outcomes, while prioritizing influence above all would lean towards an internal locus of control where personal agency is emphasized. Hence, the belief that outcomes are primarily affected by uncontrollable forces is definitive of an external locus of control.