What is 'Locus of control' and how does it relate to goal attainment in early adulthood?

• A. Perceived control over events; an internal locus fosters passive acceptance.
• B. A measure of risk tolerance.
• C. Perceived control over events; an internal locus fosters proactive goal setting and persistence; an external locus can impede initiative.
• D. A financial term related to credit; higher locus means more debt.

Answer: (C)

Locus of control is about whether you believe events in your life are under your own control (internal) or outside your control (external). In early adulthood, this belief shapes how you approach goals: whether you take charge and push forward or wait for things to happen.

The best answer captures that idea: it defines how much control you feel you have over outcomes, and it explains the two typical patterns. When you have an internal locus, you’re more likely to set clear goals, plan steps to reach them, and keep going even when challenges arise because you believe your actions matter. Conversely, an external locus—believing outcomes are due to luck or others—can dampen initiative, making you less likely to start or persist with goal-directed efforts.

This matters for goal attainment in early adulthood because that life stage often requires self-directed planning for education, careers, housing, and independence. Those who feel in control tend to pursue proactive strategies and persist through setbacks, increasing their chances of achieving their goals.

The other options miss this focus. One describes risk tolerance rather than control over events. Another treats it as a financial term, which isn’t relevant. And one wrongly suggests that an internal locus leads to passive acceptance, which contradicts how an internal sense of control actually motivates proactive effort.