Ive worked with the elderly for example, they feel very helpless and that sometimes shows itself as in controlling behaviours, its usually out of fear and insecurity. I know that there are some fantastic carers who dont manage too well when the person they are caring for gets better. They dont mean anything, but they can unconciously want that person to get ill again. It is a form of control - its creating dependency when there is no need for it. But they have a need, their identity, income, position, role can depend on that person that was ill, it all they may talk about. So control can be subtle and loving.
I think the deep thinking does find answers for some, creativity, comfort and escapism (from the cruel world - excuse the pun). The mind is deadened and when the deep thinking is there, thats all there is.