Langer and Rodin (1976) conducted studies in nursing homes.  They found that when people were placed in institutions where they lost a sense of control there were detrimental effects on their health.

Langer and Rodin (1976) conducted studies in nursing homes.  They found that when people were placed in institutions where they lost a sense of control there were detrimental effects on their health.  These residents learned to be helpless.  However, when residents were given an opportunity to care for a plant, their sense of helplessness decreased.

Think of other situations in which feeling a lack of control can be detrimental to one’s health.  What suggestions could you make to help this person feel a greater sense of control?