Professor Timothy Carey1
1CQUniversity
Abstract:
While the importance of control in areas such as the social determinants of health is widely acknowledged, the science explaining and describing control is less well known. The science of control provides a refreshing approach to understanding behaviour generally, as well as social and psychological functioning including serious problems such as chronic trauma. Health more broadly, in fact, can be defined and appreciated from the perspective of control. While homeostasis established through negative feedback is well recognised at biochemical and physiological levels, it is much less commonly applied to psychological and social levels. Yet control is essential at all levels of functioning. Moreover, the science of control explains why it is essential to understand the ongoing interaction between individuals and their environments. By understanding the nature of control more accurately we will be well positioned to create conditions under which individuals, families, and communities can flourish.