Locus of Control

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After completing the Rotter's Locus of Control Scale questionnaire, the findings show that I am somewhere in the middle of the continuum between having an internal locus of control and an external locus of control. I agree with this because sometimes I will instinctually place the blame on someone or something else before I come to terms with realizing that I am also a part of whatever problem is at hand. And on the other hand, sometimes I will take responsibility for things that I had no control over. 

For an occupational therapy practitioner, who considers all aspects of the client in front of them, including psychosocial factors, it's important to consider how they perceive their situation. It's important because their mindset will affect how willing they are to participate in their recovery, and ultimately, how long they will be in therapy. We want every client to take initiative in their recovery by following home exercise programs and resting when it is necessary, but not everyone has this internal locus of control. If they don't believe that they can make a difference in their recovery, then they probably won't. This topic reminds me of one client from my last level I FW rotation in an OP hands clinic. She always came in with comments like "this will never get better" but by the end of the session, she always left saying "you know what, this is actually a lot better than it was." In therapy, she did her exercises and worked very hard toward her goals (it was clear she was doing her exercises at home, but maybe too much). 

The difference between having a mindset that things are done to you versus you doing things will make all the difference. In the clinic, OT practitioners should use language and education as a means of empowering clients to feel like they have control over what happens next. Additionally, therapy should be less of a power dynamic and more of a collaboration between the OT and the client. Tailoring therapeutic exercises and creating a home exercise program together with things that are meaningful to them will also aid in building their intrinsic motivation. 

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