Citation

Zuckerman M, Knee CR, Kieffer SC, Gagne M. J. Pers. Assess. 2004; 82(2): 215-232.

Affiliation

Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA. miron@psych.rochester.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Society for Personality Assessment, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1207/s15327752jpa8202_9

PMID

15080132

Abstract

We examined construct validity and implications of scales that assess perceived control over controllable events (realistic control belief) and perceived control over uncontrollable events (unrealistic control belief). We found that people high in unrealistic control belief are less likely to discriminate between controllable and uncontrollable situations and to distort task outcomes so as to make them appear more favorable (more under control). We also found that people high in realistic control belief are more likely to assume responsibility for past mistakes. In additional studies on coping and health risk behavior, higher realistic control belief was related to direct engagement with the stressor and to less risky sexual behavior; higher unrealistic control belief was related to less emotional processing and to more risky sexual behavior. The results demonstrate a need to discriminate between the two types of control beliefs.

Language: en