Control Theory

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Description | Research | Example | So what? | See also | References 

Description

We have a deep need for control that itself, paradoxically, controls much of our lives. The endless effort to control can lead us to be miserable as we fail in this impossible task of trying to control everything and everyone around us.

The alternative is to see the world as a series of choices, which is why Glasser later renamed Control Theory as Choice Theory.

So what?

Using it

Give people things to control, help them control the things in their path, or threaten their sense of control.

Defending

Do not try to control everything -- instead see the world as a series of choices.

See also

http://www.exrx.net/Psychology/ControlTheoryReview.html

http://www.wglasser.com/

References

Glasser (1984)