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Langer and Rodin (1976) conducted studies in nursing homes.  They found that when people were placed in institutions where they lost a sense of control there were detrimental effects on their health.  These residents learned to be helpless.  However, when residents were given an opportunity to care for a plant, their sense of helplessness decreased.

Think of other situations in which feeling a lack of control can be detrimental to one's health.  What suggestions could you make to help this person feel a greater sense of control?