Locus of Control Test (IPC)
A 24-question assessment based on the Levenson IPC Scale, measuring how much you believe your life is controlled by internal factors versus external forces like powerful others and chance.
Who Is This Test For?
This locus of control test is for anyone who wants to understand their beliefs about what controls their life outcomes and whether those beliefs may be affecting their motivation and well-being.
- People who feel helpless or believe their efforts don't matter
- Those who attribute outcomes primarily to luck, fate, or powerful others
- Anyone exploring the connection between beliefs and behavior
- People who want to develop a greater sense of personal agency
Please read each statement and choose how much you agree or disagree.
Whether or not I get to be a leader depends mostly on my ability.
To a great extent my life is controlled by accidental happenings.
I feel like what happens in my life is mostly determined by powerful people.
Whether or not I get into a car accident depends mostly on how good of a driver I am.
When I make plans, I am almost certain to make them work.
Often there is no chance of protecting my personal interests from bad luck happening.
When I get what I want, it's usually because I am lucky.
Although I might have good ability, I will not be given leadership responsibility without appealing to those positions of power.
How many friends I have depends on how nice a person I am.
I have often found that what is going to happen will happen.
My life is chiefly controlled by powerful others.
Whether or not I get into a car accident is mostly a matter of luck.
People like myself have very little chance of protecting our personal interests when they conflict with those of strong pressure groups.
It's not always wise for me to plan too far ahead because many things turn out to be a matter of good or bad fortune.
Getting what I want requires pleasing those people above me.
Whether or not I get to be leader depends on whether I am lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.
If important people were to decide they didn't like me, I probably wouldn't make many friends.
I can pretty much determine what will happen in my life.
I am usually able to protect my personal interests.
Whether or not I get in a car accident depends mostly on the other driver.
When I get what I want, it is usually because I worked hard for it.
In order to have my plans work, I make sure that they fit in with the desires of people who have power over me.
My life is determined by my own actions.
It's chiefly a matter of fate whether or not I have few friends or many friends.
Good To Know
Distinguish Control from Influence
You may not control outcomes, but you often influence them. Focus on your sphere of influence—your choices, efforts, and responses—rather than demanding complete control over results. This realistic approach builds genuine agency.
Notice Your Explanatory Style
When things go wrong, do you automatically blame luck, others, or yourself? Practice attributing outcomes accurately: some to your actions, some to circumstances, some to others. Accurate attribution supports both responsibility and self-compassion.
Build Agency Through Small Wins
Choose small actions where you can clearly see the connection between your effort and the result. These 'small wins' build evidence of your agency and gradually shift your belief system toward internal locus.
Understanding the IPC Locus of Control Test
T he Levenson IPC (Internal, Powerful Others, Chance) Scale was developed by Hanna Levenson in 1974 as a refinement of Rotter's original locus of control concept. Unlike the unidimensional original, Levenson's scale recognizes that people can simultaneously believe in internal control, powerful others control, and chance control as separate dimensions.
The full IPC scale includes three subscales: Internal (I), Powerful Others (P), and Chance (C). This simplified version presents a single externality score that combines endorsement of Powerful Others and Chance items with lower endorsement of Internal items. Items 1, 4, 5, 9, 18, 19, 21, and 23 reflect internal control and are reverse-scored; all other items reflect external control and are scored directly.
This test presents scores as 'externality concern,' where higher scores indicate more belief that external forces control your life. This is a simplified single-page presentation; the official IPC provides separate subscale scores for I, P, and C. The concern framing helps identify when external locus beliefs may be limiting agency and well-being.
Locus of control is a belief system, not an objective reality. While some situations truly are outside our control, chronic beliefs about external control can become self-fulfilling. Research links internal locus to better mental health, achievement, and coping, though extreme internal locus without recognition of real limits can also be problematic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this test scored?
This simplified version combines items into a single externality score. Internal items (1,4,5,9,18,19,21,23) are reverse-scored (5-0), so disagreeing with them increases externality. All other items are scored directly (0-5). Higher scores indicate more concern with external locus of control. The official IPC provides three separate subscales.
Is having an internal locus always better?
Not necessarily. An internal locus is generally associated with better outcomes, but it needs to be realistic. Believing you control everything can lead to self-blame when things truly are outside your influence. The healthiest approach recognizes where you have agency while accepting real limits.
Can locus of control change?
Yes. Locus of control is shaped by experiences and can shift over time. Successful experiences of personal agency can strengthen internal locus. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral approaches, can help modify external control beliefs that are limiting your functioning.
What's the difference between this and the official IPC?
The official Levenson IPC provides three separate scores: Internal, Powerful Others, and Chance. This version simplifies to a single externality concern score for easier self-assessment. If you need the full multidimensional assessment for research or clinical purposes, use the official IPC.
How can I develop a more internal locus?
Start by noticing where you do have influence, even in small ways. Set small achievable goals and notice when your actions lead to outcomes. Challenge thoughts that automatically attribute results to luck or others. Consider therapy if external beliefs significantly limit your functioning.
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Sources & References
- Levenson, H. (1974). Activism and powerful others: Distinctions within the concept of internal-external control. Journal of Personality Assessment, 38, 377-383.
- Levenson, H. (1981). Differentiating among internality, powerful others, and chance. In H.M. Lefcourt (Ed.), Research with the locus of control construct (Vol. 1, pp. 15-63). Academic Press.
- Levenson IPC Scale - Arab Psychology Database
This self-assessment is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It cannot replace a professional evaluation by a qualified mental health provider. If you're experiencing significant distress or your symptoms are affecting your daily life, please seek help from a healthcare professional. If you're in crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis helpline.