Locus of Control (LOC) refers to people’s beliefs concerning personal control, which is viewed as a continuum ranging from internality to externality. Internal LOC consists in an internal attribution of control over life events whereas external LOC implicates relying on others or chance. Control beliefs are involved in setting expectancies toward outcomes in many contexts, including mental health.

In this review, we explore the complex interplay between mental health disorders and LOC orientation. LOC orientation is crucial in the development and clinical course of anxiety, mood and psychotic disorders. Treatment seeking and adherence to therapies have been related to LOC orientation. Moreover, LOC has been implicated in shaping posttraumatic responses. Although evidence are still scarce, LOC seems to have a role in determining mental health of migrants and minorities.