Measuring Your Locus: The Locus of Value Scale

BY NICOLE LAU

The Psychology of Internal Locus: Why Most Suffering is Optional

How do you know if you have internal or external locus of value? The Locus of Value Scale is a self-assessment tool to help you understand your current locus and track your progress. This is not a test to pass or fail - it's a tool for self-awareness.

The Locus of Value Scale

Rate yourself on each statement from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree).

Internal Locus Indicators

1. My worth doesn't depend on what others think of me.

2. I can fail at something without feeling like a failure as a person.

3. I feel valuable even when I'm not achieving anything.

4. I can receive criticism without my sense of self collapsing.

5. My mood doesn't fluctuate wildly based on others' approval.

6. I can be alone without feeling worthless.

7. I don't need constant reassurance that I'm okay.

8. I can make mistakes without feeling fundamentally flawed.

9. My worth feels stable, not constantly at risk.

10. I can rest without feeling guilty or worthless.

External Locus Indicators (Reverse score)

11. I feel worthless when people don't approve of me.

12. My worth depends on my achievements.

13. I need constant validation to feel okay.

14. Criticism feels like an attack on my worth.

15. I feel worthless when I'm not in a relationship.

16. I can't tolerate failure - it makes me feel worthless.

17. My mood depends entirely on how others respond to me.

18. I need to be the best to feel valuable.

19. I feel guilty resting because I'm not earning my worth.

20. I feel like I have to constantly prove my value.

Scoring

Internal Score: Add questions 1-10 (range: 10-70)

External Score: For questions 11-20, reverse score (8 minus your rating), then add (range: 10-70)

Total: Add both scores (range: 20-140)

Interpretation

100-140: Strong Internal Locus - Your worth feels inherent and stable. Continue deepening internal locus.

60-99: Mixed Locus - Internal locus in some areas, external in others. Focus on identifying vulnerable domains.

20-59: Strong External Locus - Your worth feels conditional. This is changeable - understanding it is the first step.

Domain-Specific Assessment

Assess each domain separately:

Achievement: Does your worth depend on success? Can you rest without achieving?

Approval: Does your worth depend on others' opinions? Can you handle criticism?

Relationships: Does your worth depend on being in a relationship? Can you be alone?

Appearance: Does your worth depend on how you look? Can you feel valuable regardless?

Tracking Progress

Take this assessment monthly to track progress. You should see internal scores increasing and external scores decreasing over time. Progress is not linear - setbacks are normal.

Using the Scale for Growth

1. Identify weak areas. Which questions scored lowest? Those are your growth edges.

2. Focus on one domain. Don't try to change everything at once.

3. Practice specific behaviors. For each low score, identify a practice.

4. Track changes. Retake monthly and celebrate progress.

5. Be patient. Building internal locus takes time.

Beyond the Numbers

The scale provides numbers, but the real value is self-awareness. The questions help you notice when you're locating worth externally, which domains are vulnerable, and where you've made progress.

Use the scale as a mirror, not a judgment. Your score doesn't determine your worth. Your worth is inherent. The scale just helps you see how much you're living from that truth.

The Bottom Line

The Locus of Value Scale helps you measure where you are and track progress. Take the assessment. Be honest. Use it for growth, not judgment. Remember: you're not trying to earn worth through building internal locus. You're recognizing worth that was always there.

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This concludes Part I: Core Concepts of The Psychology of Internal Locus series.

You now understand what internal locus is, why it matters, and how to measure it.

— Nicole Lau, 2026