Kontrollérzet

Kontrollérzet, or sense of control, is a psychological concept referring to an individual's perceived ability to influence events and outcomes in their life. It is closely related to broader ideas such as perceived control, locus of control, and self-efficacy, and it plays a central role in how people cope with stress, pursue goals, and respond to challenges.

A key distinction in this domain is between internal and external control orientation. An internal control orientation reflects the belief that one’s own actions largely determine outcomes, while an external orientation attributes outcomes to luck, fate, or powerful others. Individuals with a stronger kontrollérzet generally report greater motivation, persistence, and adaptive coping, whereas a low sense of control can be linked to increased stress, passivity, and poorer health outcomes in some contexts.

Kontrollérzet is typically assessed through self-report measures that ask about perceived influence over personal circumstances, illness, work, or other domains. Classic research in this area draws on Rotter’s locus of control framework and has been complemented by scales of perceived mastery and self-efficacy. Experimental studies often manipulate perceived control by allowing or restricting participants’ influence over a task to observe effects on performance and well-being.

Determinants of kontrollérzet include personality traits, health status, socioeconomic conditions, and social support. It can be strengthened through interventions that enhance problem-solving skills, provide meaningful choices, deliver constructive feedback, and promote cognitive strategies that emphasize controllable factors.

In practice, kontrollérzet affects health, learning, productivity, and well-being. A higher sense of control is generally associated with better coping, resilience, and adherence to positive behavioral changes, whereas a diminished Kontrollérzet can increase vulnerability to stress and maladaptive responses.