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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

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  • Christopher T. Whelan

    (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.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher T. Whelan, 1991. "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," Papers WP024, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:esr:wpaper:wp024
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    File URL: https://www.esri.ie/pubs/WP024.pdf
    File Function: First version, 1991
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Krause, Neal & Stryker, Sheldon, 1984. "Stress and well-being: The buffering role of locus of control beliefs," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 18(9), pages 783-790, January.
    2. Whelan, Christopher T. & Hannan, Damian F. & Creighton, Sean, 1991. "Unemployment, Poverty and Psychological Distress," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number GRS150, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Christopher T. Whelan, 1994. "In Search of the Underclass: Marginalization, Poverty and Fatalism in the Republic of Ireland. Published as 'Marginalization, Deprivation and Fatalism in the Republic of Ireland: Class and Underclass ," Papers WP051, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
    2. Richard Layte & Bertrand Maître & Brian Nolan & Christopher T. Whelan, 1999. "Income, Deprivation and Economic Strain: An Analysis of the European Community Household Panel," Papers WP109, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

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