Which of the following best describes the relationship between perceived control and the experience of stress?

• A. Perceived control has no impact on the experience of stress.
• B. Higher perceived control is associated with higher levels of stress.
• C. Lower perceived control is associated with lower levels of stress.
• D. Higher perceived control is associated with lower levels of stress.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of perceived control: it refers to an individual's belief about how much influence they have over events and outcomes in their life.
2. Recognize that stress is often linked to feelings of uncertainty and helplessness, which can be influenced by perceived control.
3. Consider psychological research findings that show when people feel they have higher control over a situation, they tend to experience less stress because they believe they can manage or change the outcome.
4. Contrast this with situations where perceived control is low, which typically leads to higher stress levels due to feelings of helplessness and unpredictability.
5. Conclude that the relationship between perceived control and stress is inverse: higher perceived control is associated with lower levels of stress.