The Impact of Realistic and Illusory Control on Psychological Distress: A Test of the Model of Instrumental Realism. Published in The Economic and Social Review, Vol 23 No 4

Christopher Whelan

No WP024, Papers from Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)

Abstract: This paper explores the relationship between sense of control and psychological distress. Rather than providing evidence for the view that rejection of responsibility for outcomes has a beneficial effect on the mental health of low status groups, our findings suggest that increments of control have their most dramatic effect among those with low status and resources. The results reported are consistent with the existence of a threshold of dysfunction beyond which point increased feelings of control are detrimental to one's well-being. Unlike previous research though this threshold effect was found to apply to both realistic and illusory control.

Pages: 22 pages
Date: 1991-01
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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