We've seen it over and over the past few weeks. After disaster strikes, some people pick up the pieces and move on with their lives. Others find it far more difficult to continue and seem paralyzed by events beyond their control.

Why is it so much more difficult for some people to deal with disasters than it is for others? How is it that the guy down the road can say "OK, the house and all I had is gone, but I'll rebuild," while a neighbor collapses in agony and indecision?

The reason, according to one body of research, lies in the fundamental way the brain functions, and whether we believe we really are in control of our lives.