Research linking stress levels to amount of control?

Question

Hi, I was just wondering if you could provide me with some psychological research which found whether or not there is a link between stress levels and amounts of control people feel they have over their lives/jobs etc.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Just from life experience, I have found that people react to control in different manners, and this difference in reactions is what determines the stress level.

   Some people will seek to control everything in their lives...whether it is controllable or not, others realize that somethings are just beyond their control (gravity issues), and they control what they can, and don't worry about the rest. Still others don't seek to control much of anything, and they are quite happy with a free flowing lifestyle.

   Problems, and stress levels increase when two dissimilar people are on the same task, or if a person is forced out of character, and must leave their own personal comfort zone of control.  I think the stress of leaving our own personal comfort zones is the worst stress of all.

Answer 2

Hello there,

One of the best things I found for dealing with stress was meditation.

I went through a period of my life where I literally had a breakdown because of stress and was off work for months because of it.

During this time I was offered all sorts of drugs and the like by doctors which I turned down.  One of my friends mentioned meditation and how they had heard it was really good with stress.

I found a local group, signed up and started to learn to meditate.  I now attend a group every week and meditate daily and found that my stress levels have dropped significantly and that I am able to cope through situations where I wouldn't have in the past.

If you're suffering from stress, then try meditation, it's a really good way of reducing your stress levels.

Hope that helps you out! :)

Answer 3

There are different contructs of control that are linked to stress.  Job Control is considered separate from perceived control in one's personal life, and then there is even personality variables, specifically locus of control, that has an impact on perceived stress.  Below is a link on job control and effects of strain:

Answer 4

Isn't that common sense (If you're stressed out, you're going to feel less control over your life... Goes without saying...). Do you really need a study ?