Chapter 10
Patients' Perceived Control over Their Disorder
Amir Al-Dabagh,
Steven R. Feldman,
Amir Al-Dabagh
Search for more papers by this authorSteven R. Feldman
Search for more papers by this authorAmir Al-Dabagh,
Steven R. Feldman,
Amir Al-Dabagh
Search for more papers by this authorSteven R. Feldman
Search for more papers by this authorBook Editor(s):David I. Mostofsky,
David I. Mostofsky
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 28 March 2014
Summary
Patients’ perceptions of their conditions are shaped by a host of psychological factors. This chapter examines one factor, perceived control. It discusses how physicians can use perceived control to affect patients′ subjective impression of their disease. The chapter defines perceived control, and describes behavioral research studies that have examined the concept. It reviews studies that have analyzed the effect of perceived control on workers, and describes how the concept of perceived control can be used to improve patients′ treatment outcomes. Differing from objective control, perceived control focuses on the subjective evaluation of the patient. Workers who have autonomy and perceive control in their workplace are the most satisfied with their jobs. Letting patients know that “a stronger medicine is available if we have to” is an approach that can help them avoid hopelessness and improve the subjective quality of life while avoiding poor adherence and the resulting poor treatment outcomes.
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