Final answer:
Nelson, feeling out of control, may adopt superstitious beliefs as a coping mechanism to explain events, offering an illusion of control in response to learned helplessness.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Nelson begins to feel that he has no control over his life, he is likely experiencing learned helplessness. This psychological state can lead to several potential responses, one of which may be adopting superstitious beliefs to explain events.
Superstitions can provide individuals with an illusion of control and a way to make sense of the world when one's own ability to influence events seems diminished.
These beliefs can be a coping mechanism to counter the feelings of helplessness and unpredictability. However, it should be noted that stress and a feeling of lack of control might also lead to other responses such as changes in behavior, beliefs, or attitudes.
The specific choice an individual makes can be influenced by their personality, life experiences, and existing coping mechanisms.