The Psychology of Control

Book excerpt: Langer uses her orginal field research to show the impact of a person's sense of control on their mental and physical well being. The book begins by dealing with general issues, refining our concept of what a sense of control is, showing how it differs from power, choice, or ability to predict events. Chapters in the second section show how people lose and regain control in everyday life: asking a favour, taking precautions against burglary. The third section shows the effects that loss of control have on the elderly, and the benefits and adverse effects of treatments that increased their sense of control. 'This material can be strongly recommended to those who are involved in the management of the chronic sick, the elderly