In today’s increasingly complex society, marked by swift societal shifts and frequently unfathomable phenomena, an understanding of Compensatory Control Theory becomes pivotal. This psychological theory, steeped in the intricacies of human behaviour, posits that in the face of unsettling chaos or perceived lack of control, individuals tend to seek structure, order and predictability to regain a sense of mastery over their world. Through a multitude of manifestations such as adherence to rituals, political and religious ideologies, or even conspiracy theories, this theory uncovers the often overlooked human quest for equilibrium. As such, Compensatory Control Theory becomes a powerful analytical lens, casting light on various contemporary social movements and their underpinning psychological dynamics.

While examining the phenomena of BLM and Anti-lockdown protests, as well as QAnon during my time at university, I developed a keen interest in social psychology. In particular, I became fascinated by Compensatory Control Theory, which posits that individuals have a basic need to perceive the world as orderly and structured. One of the papers that explores this theory in-depth is “Seeking structure in social organization: compensatory control and the psychological advantages of hierarchy” (Friesen et al., 2014). This paper argues that both personal and external sources of control can satisfy this need for order and structure, as they provide a comforting belief that the world operates in a predictable fashion.

The world is a complicated place. From politics to race relations to so-called ‘public health’, it can feel overwhelming to try and make sense of it all. This is where the idea of compensatory control theory comes in. The theory proposes that people have a basic need to perceive the world as orderly, predictable, and structured. When individuals feel uncertain or lack control over their environment, they engage in cognitive and behavioural strategies to compensate for this perceived lack of control. These compensatory strategies can include seeking out information, relying on superstitions or rituals, and perceiving patterns or order where none may exist.

In essence, Compensatory Control Theory suggests that individuals have a natural inclination to create structure and order in their lives, even when the world around them may be chaotic or unpredictable. By doing so, they can gain a sense of control and reduce their feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and stress.

While conducting my research on the Black Lives Matter movement, anti-lockdown protests, and QAnon, I observed that the concept of compensatory control theory was evident in all of these movements. Specifically, I noted that groups experiencing perceived grievances or situational complexities often sought a straightforward and structured external explanation for their problems.