Perceptions of Control in Vulnerable Populations

A lack of control is a critical social issue when it is experienced by individuals who already have little opportunity to exercise control; thus, this journal issue brings together research on a number of vulnerable populations: children, medical patients, lower level employees, and the elderly. Because of the diverse populations to which this concept has been applied, the perceived control literature is diffuse and fragmented. This article covers the positive outcomes associated with a sense of control—emotional well‐being, successful coping with stress, good health, desired behavior changes, and improved performance. It also identifies common themes that cut across work in this area—the conceptualization and measurement of control, threats to control, conditions that determine the effects of control, and interventions to enhance control. Finally, it suggests how this work may be applied to enhance the well‐being of other vulnerable segments of our society.