Perceived control in low-control circumstances: Control beliefs predict a greater decrease in life satisfaction following job loss

Whereas perceived control is generally conducive to effective self-regulation and well-being, it may predict more negative reactions to life events that are associated with a disconfirmation of control. Using data from a nationally representative panel study (the GSOEP) we tested whether perceived control is associated with more negative reactions to job loss (i.e., a partially uncontrollable negative life event). As expected, victims of job loss experienced a greater decrease in life satisfaction when they had held higher control beliefs before job loss. We provide evidence that this finding is not explained by the con-founding influence of personality and socio-demographic variables. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.