Control and happiness: knowing about the future hurts the present

Friedman, I, Botti, S, Iyengar, S S and Gavazi, E (2014) Control and happiness: knowing about the future hurts the present. [Conference proceeding]

Abstract

Four studies including vignettes, laboratory, and field experiments show that people want to know about an undesirable future event (i.e., the development of an incurable genetic illness) because this knowledge increases perceptions of personal control. In contrast, knowing about an undesirable reduces present perceived control and satisfaction.