The pattern grows stronger with age, implying that the strategies we develop—like setting priorities, breaking tasks into steps, or changing how we think about setbacks—may become more effective over the years. Those small adjustments change the experience of stress by shifting attention away from overwhelm and toward practical next steps that are within reach.
Understanding this link opens a path to improving wellbeing for many kinds of people. If feeling capable improves outcomes, then designing routines, tools, and supports that increase daily agency could help people thrive in school, work, and community life. Curious about which simple, evidence-based actions researchers tested and how they connect to long-term growth and inclusion? Follow the link to explore how these findings relate to human potential.
Feeling in control may be the key to conquering daily stress. Penn State researchers found that people were 62% more likely to resolve everyday hassles on days when they felt greater control. This link grew stronger over time, suggesting we get better at managing stress as we age. Simple actions like setting priorities and reframing challenges can help boost that sense of control and reduce overall stress.