To what degree do people believe they have control over their own destiny? This simple yet far-reaching question lies at the heart of the research, because these so-called control beliefs are considered key to human health and well-being. People who feel they are in control deal with crises more proactively and remain more mentally and physically stable.
The results of the study reveal a clear generational effect. People born more recently report higher control beliefs than those born earlier. They also retain these control beliefs well into old age. It seems that the gains in resources, education, technological progress and individual freedom over recent decades are reflected in people’s outlook on life.
Social disparities have also shifted. The gap between men and women has narrowed, mainly because women now have more control than in the past. The same applies to differences in income: people on low incomes today feel more confident that they are in control than previously.
The situation is different when East and West are compared. According to the research team, the frequently reported lower control beliefs among people living in East Germany can be explained by the income disparities between the two parts of the country. After controlling for income disparities, the researchers discovered that people living in East Germany report higher control beliefs on average than people living in West Germany. Moreover, more than 30 years after reunification, the gap between East and West Germany has widened further.
Certain life events have a greater impact on people today
Unemployment or disability now lead to a greater sense of loss of control than it did two decades ago. Those who are no longer in paid employment or have health issues perceive a stronger loss of control.
The study thus paints a nuanced picture: overall, people are becoming more confident in their ability to shape their own future. However, not all groups benefit equally – and certain gaps in a person’s CV have a greater impact than they used to. Consequently, differences in control beliefs continue to be a social issue.
Further information
Publication: Entringer, T.M., Buchinger, L., Heckhausen, J., Ram, N., & Gerstorf, D. (2026). Historical Changes in Control Belief Trajectories. European Journal of Personality.
Contact at the University of Greifswald
Dr. Theresa M. Entringer
Personality Psychology & Psychological Assessment
Franz-Mehring-Straße 47, 17489 Greifswald
Tel.: +49 3834 420 3772
theresa.entringeruni-greifswaldde