Proposed the degree of social discomfort to be indicative of an individual's perceived locus of control and level of self‐esteem. Introductory psychology students (N = 143) at the University of Alaska completed questionnaires for Social Avoidance and Distress (SAD), Rotter's Internal versus External Control of Reinforcement Scale, and Janis‐Field Personality Inventory. There were significant differences in locus of control and level of self‐esteem among those Ss rated as high SAD, moderate SAD, and low SAD. High SAD Ss were found to have significantly greater external locus of control and lower self‐esteem than either the moderate or low SAD Ss. Individuals who experience social anxiety, as opposed to those who are comfortable in social situations, are likely to feel that they have less control over the rewards in life and experience less positive self‐regard.