Date of Completion

Spring 5-6-2012

Thesis Advisor(s)

Crystal L. Park

Honors Major

Psychology

Disciplines

Other Psychology | Psychology

Abstract

The current study investigates the relationship between perceived control and adjustment across a comparison of two events; bereavement (n = 83) and relationship dissolution (n = 75). These events occurred in the six months prior to the study. Perceived control was assessed in terms of personal control, control of other forces, and control of a higher power, and how much control each had over the loss experienced. Adjustment was assessed in terms of current symptoms of distress (i.e., intrusion and avoidance), stress-related growth, positive states of mind, and life satisfaction. The relations between perceived control and adjustment differed across the types of control and the events. Personal control was negatively associated with adjustment scores in the bereavement sample, control of other forces was negatively associated with adjustment scores across the measure in the bereavement samples, and control of a higher power was positively associated with adjustment in the relationship dissolution group. Implications and limitation are discussed.

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