On Henry's 90th birthday he received a flat screen digital TV from his grandson that included a programmable remote. Henry decided that he could not program the remote for the new TV and chose to watch his old tube TV instead. According to Heckhausen, Wrosch, and Schulz, this is an example of
A) primary control.
B) secondary control.
C) possible selves.
D) problem-focused coping mechanisms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Henry's decision to watch his old tube TV instead of trying to program the remote for the new TV represents a form of secondary control because he has decided to adapt to a situation that he perceives as unchangeable, rather than taking steps to actively change the situation.

On Henry's 90th Birthday He Received a Flat Screen Digital