Controlegevoel

Controlegevoel is a neologism used in Dutch-language discussions to denote the subjective experience of having control over events, actions, and outcomes. It overlaps with the psychological construct of perceived control but is often used in more informal or non-technical contexts rather than as a standardized scientific term. The concept captures how strongly a person feels they can influence what happens, anticipate consequences, and regulate their emotional responses in a given situation.

In practice, controlegevoel is discussed in relation to how people react to uncertainty and challenge. A high controlegevoel is typically associated with proactive coping, greater motivation, and persistence, while a low controlegevoel can accompany anxiety, resignation, or avoidance. Although closely linked to established ideas such as locus of control and self-efficacy, controlegevoel is usually not tied to a specific measurement instrument in academic literature and may be defined differently across contexts.

Usage and limitations: Because controlegevoel is informal, its meaning can vary depending on context, speaker, and domain. Some scholars emphasize distinguishing belief in control from the experience of exercising control, to avoid conflating expectation with actual influence. In applied settings, strategies to enhance controlegevoel often focus on autonomy-supportive practices, clear feedback, and opportunities for skill development.

See also: perceived control, locus of control, self-efficacy, control theory, autonomy.