The illusion of control is a mental bias leading people to overestimate the control they have over the outcome of events. Even when the outcome of situations is demonstrably a matter of chance and not of skill or effort, researchers find that people may feel like they can influence the outcome. Like the optimism bias, it is a so-called positive illusion and is generally associated with good mental
What Is Illusion of Control? (Plain Language Explanation)
Illusion of Control refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Illusion of Control
- Symptoms: The specific ways illusion of control shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen illusion of control
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When illusion of control occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Illusion of Control
- Illusion of Control is far more common than most people realize
- Illusion of Control is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with illusion of control see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about illusion of control is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing illusion of control, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.