Individual Differences and the Development of Perceived Control

One of the strongest predictors of children's school performance are individual differences in perceived control: those beliefs about how effective the self can be in producing desired outcomes. Drawing perspectives from both developmental and individual differences research, this longitudinal study documents the cycles in which children who develop optimal profiles of control are more actively engaged and have better academic success, (or in contrast, how children may doubt their capacities, experience lower scholastic achievement, and believe in the power of luck or unknown forces.) Further, the results show how these cycles may change with age, and suggest ways to improve children's perceived control.