A positive association was found between participants who exhibited more intense conservatism and greater need for control.

University of Delaware

The need for control, even if unhappy with it, is a strong social motive for humans. Humans desire the autonomy to pursue what they want and the competence to make things happen. Bruce McEwen found that the lowest members in social hierarchies (with the least amount of control over their situation) were the most likely to suffer stress-related illnesses and die early. Humans often act and perceive that they have control to compensate for when we don't.

Control (as social motive)

Axt, J., Landau, M., Kay, A. (2020). The Psychological Appeal of Fake News Attributions. Association for Psychological Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797620922785 

The Psychological Appeal of Fake-News Attributions

The need an individual has for being able to produce their desired outcome and avoid undesired ones. It also covers the need for being effective/successful in the face of a challenge (Ryan et al., 2006).

Competency in SDT

An individuals sense of control over their decisions, actions and will. An individuals desire for autonomy is appeased more so when there are choices given to the individual or they are able to take part in activities that are of personal interest/value (Deci, Koestner, & Ryan, 1999). 

Autonomy in SDT

People who feel they are lacking or limited in personal control will seek out other forms of structure.

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