Recalibrating the Scale: Internal/External Locus of Control Among Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence

In this preliminary study, we investigated components of internal/external locus of control (LOC) in five case studies of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators. Inter-category relationship analysis was used to explore the men's lived experiences through 10 in-depth interviews (two per case study). Findings revealed that (1) an external LOC enables violent individuals to indirectly express internal information by creating emotional distance, and (2) an internal LOC acts as a protective factor against violent behavior, especially when internal outcomes are attributed to internal factors. We suggest expanding the LOC measure and propose treatment strategies to enhance internal LOC among IPV perpetrators. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of factors influencing IPV perpetration and identifies potential turning points for intervention through externally focused narratives.