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International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanity Development

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A Control Theory Model of Cognitive Well-being: The Role of Goal Regulation and Feedback Mechanisms

DOI https://doi.org/10.54640/
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Professor Eleanor Vance 1 , Dr. Samuel J. Harding 1 ,
4 Department of Psychology, Center for Positive Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
4 School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom

Abstract

Background: Understanding the mechanisms that allow individuals to regulate their cognitive well-being is a central goal of psychological science. While theories like hedonic adaptation [27] and well-being homeostasis [22] explain stability, they offer less insight into the active, self-regulatory processes involved. Control Theory [15] provides a robust framework, proposing that well-being emerges from a feedback-driven process of reducing discrepancies between current states and desired goals. This study aimed to empirically test a Control Theory model, hypothesizing that general self-efficacy [5] mediates the relationship between goal-related feedback and cognitive well-being.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to a sample of 398 university students. Participants completed validated scales measuring cognitive well-being, general self-efficacy [17], and items assessing their perceived progress and feedback related to a significant personal goal. The hypothesized mediation model was tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).

Results: The model provided an excellent fit to the data [e.g., CFI = .98, TLI = .97, RMSEA = .049]. As hypothesized, both perceived goal progress (positive feedback) and general self-efficacy were significant positive predictors of cognitive well-being. Crucially, the analysis revealed a significant indirect effect, where general self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship between goal feedback and well-being. The direct path from goal progress to well-being was non-significant in the presence of the mediator, suggesting the perception of progress is associated with well-being through its association with enhanced self-belief.

Conclusion: The findings support a Control Theory perspective on cognitive well-being, suggesting that it is not merely a static state, but an actively managed process. The belief in one's ability to act (self-efficacy) appears to be a critical cognitive mechanism that links successful goal pursuit with positive self-appraisal and well-being. These results have implications for positive psychology interventions [7, 13], suggesting that fostering self-efficacy is a key pathway to enhancing sustainable well-being.

Keywords

Cognitive Well-being, Control Theory, Self-Efficacy

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