The life-span theory of control is an agent-centered approach to life-span development premised on the universal human drive for control over one’s own development. The theory posits that individual’s ability to do so, or their primary control potential, is the key criterion of adaptive development.

 

Striving for primary control remains high across the life span; however, individuals’ capacity for primary control peaks in midlife due to biological and sociocultural constraints.

 

Secondary control processes optimize primary control and become increasingly effective and relied upon with age.

 

The theory outlines these control striving processes and their coordination in detail, and in so doing, is particularly relevant for older adults who may need to compensate for declines in primary control capacity through effective use of secondary control strategies.