In this research, through the use of questionnaires, we seek to develop a model that predicts how variables such as depression, education level, gender and parental coping styles determine the effectiveness of coping with disease. To assess parental coping styles, we asked adults to recall how their parents responded to very minor illnesses. This research is of both theoretical and practical import. For example, by being aware of psychosocial variables impacting on the lives of their patients, physicians may develop more effective treatments. The theoretical foundation for this research is found in the assumption that human beings have a need to perceive control over their environment.
Control enables individuals to have a belief in their autonomy.
However, when the belief in their in own control is diminished, individuals lose the motivation and ability to respond competently to the challenges of life. When individuals lose the sense of personal control, the risk for disease, depression and morbidity all increase. We have applied these theoretical notions to the amelioration of several problems. For example, we developed an intervention to enhance the perception of control and thereby remediate problems in aged individuals who had displayed early signs of learning and memory impairments. We have also utilized these techniques to improve the cognitive functioning of seriously learning disabled grade school students.