The development of perceived control

Abstract

We review research on the development of perceived control and its importance for a wide range of outcomes across the lifespan. To do so, this chapter is divided into four sections: (1) what is perceived control; (2) why is it important to study perceived control; (3) how does perceived control change across the lifespan; and (4) what leads to the development of perceived control. We conclude that perceived control has the capacity to change across the lifespan and that the antecedents of perceived control differ across stages in the lifespan, especially between childhood and adolescence and adulthood and old age.