Final answer:
Perceived control is the belief that one's thoughts and actions can direct the outcomes they experience, shaping both the environment and personal life events. Social psychologists emphasize the importance of this belief for motivation and self-esteem.
Step-by-step explanation:
The belief that we can influence our environment in ways that determine whether we experience positive or negative outcomes is often referred to as perceived control. This concept suggests that our thoughts and actions have a direct effect on the events in our lives and that we are not solely at the mercy of external forces such as luck or fate. It is rooted in the psychological understanding that our attitudes, behaviors, and cognitive evaluations about ourselves and our surroundings can profoundly shape our experiences.
For instance, if someone holds a positive attitude towards recycling, this can lead to favorable behaviors such as recycling regularly and ultimately contribute to positive thoughts about the impact of those actions on the environment. This sequence of attitude, behavior, and cognition, in turn, reinforces the belief in personal control over environmental outcomes. Social psychologists explain that the desire to maintain a positive self-esteem and the ability to control one's environment are powerful motivators that can influence our attitudes and behavior.