Locus of Control


            On Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale, I scored an 11 which I think is very accurate. I believe that we all make decisions that impact our lives, but there are also some unavoidable circumstances. When it comes to treatment in occupational therapy, it is essential for our clients to understand that they are the determining factor when it comes to their rehabilitation. The best improvements come from active participation from the client during treatment sessions rather than passive treatments (Meira, 2013). Clients who have a strong external locus of control don’t believe that they have much of an influence on their rehabilitation, and they may be less likely to complete home exercise programs which delays their discharge. Clients with a stronger internal locus of control are more likely to stick to their home programs because they believe that they can improve their current condition on their own.
            To encourage our clients to believe that they have an internal locus of control, there are a few things we can do as practitioners to influence our client’s mindset in that direction. First, clients need to be directly involved in their care and be involved in the decision-making process of their treatment so they are more motivated to actively participate in their treatment sessions. If they have a say in what they want to do, the activities will be more meaningful to them. Meira says, “Reinforce to the patient that they are the ultimate decision maker, the provider is not” (Meira, 2013). Next, it is important to make sure that clients’ treatment is easily accessible—use items that can be found around the house or are easily obtained so that it is not difficult for them to complete their home exercise programs. If we as practitioners can encourage this internal locus of control in our clients, they are more likely to participate in their treatment activities and improve their condition faster than those with a stronger external locus of control.


References

Meira, E. (2013). Are your patients out of control? The Science PT. 

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