Personal Control from the Perspective of Cognitive-Experiential Self-Theory

Abstract

(from the book) Examines the typical causes of a lack of personal control from the viewpoint of cognitive-experiential self-theory (CEST). CEST specifies 2 major systems by which people adapt to their environments, the rational and the experiential. The rational system contains conscious beliefs about the self and the world, is driven by logic and reason, and operates in a relatively controlled fashion. The experiential system contains implicit beliefs about the self and the world that are generalizations derived from emotionally significant experiences. In contrast to the rational system, the experiential system is driven by affect and operates in a relatively automatic, effortless fashion. The author's main thesis is that through understanding the complex interactions of these two conceptual systems we can gain insight into how people obtain increasing control over their lives. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)