Final answer:
Perceived control is a very powerful aspect that allows potentially stressful experiences to be less stressful. Research has shown that perceptions of personal control are associated with better physical and mental health, greater psychological well-being, and lower reactivity to stressors in daily life. Therefore, having a sense of control over stressful situations can greatly reduce the overall stress response.
Step-by-step explanation:
One very powerful aspect that allows potentially stressful experiences to be less stressful is perceived control. Perceived control refers to our beliefs about our personal capacity to exert influence over and shape outcomes. Research has shown that perceptions of personal control are associated with better physical and mental health, greater psychological well-being, and lower reactivity to stressors in daily life. For example, individuals with higher levels of perceived control experience lower emotional and physical reactivity to interpersonal stressors. Therefore, having a sense of control over stressful situations can greatly reduce the overall stress response.