This chapter explores the critical role of perceived control, defined as an individual’s belief in their ability to influence outcomes, in shaping behavior, decision-making, and overall psychological well-being. Perceived control extends beyond mere objective capacity, profoundly impacting how individuals navigate daily challenges and complex life situations. The value of control is highlighted by the lengths to which people will go to preserve it, even at personal cost. The chapter underlines empirical evidence demonstrating that perceived control carries an intrinsic subjective value and enhances cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and resilience in the face of adversity, while its absence is strongly linked to psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression. Additionally, the chapter probes the neural underpinnings of perceived control in relation to motivation and reward systems, focusing in particular on cortical-striatal circuitry. Emphasizing the importance of understanding perceived control, how control varies across contexts such as task complexity, lifespan considerations, and socioeconomic conditions is also explored. These insights highlight the value of perceived control in promoting adaptive decision-making, psychological health, and resilience, offering a foundation for developing targeted interventions that enhance well-being across the lifespan.