We learn from an early age that our actions have consequences, and most people can quickly connect their behaviors to the outcomes they experience.
However, recent research from psychologists at UNSW Sydney and Western Sydney University suggests that some people struggle to make these connections, which may explain why they find it difficult to stop engaging in harmful behaviors.
The study aimed to explore why some individuals continue to engage in self-destructive habits even when they are aware of the negative consequences.
The researchers proposed that the issue may not be a lack of willingness to change, but rather a problem with how these individuals process and learn from their experiences.
To investigate this, the team designed an experiment where young adult volunteers played a simple video game with a space trade theme. Participants clicked on two planets to earn points, which could eventually win them a cash prize.
Unbeknownst to them, clicking on either planet had similar rewards but came with different risks. One planet occasionally triggered a pirate ship that would steal large portions of their winnings, while the other planet posed no threat.
Some participants, referred to as “sensitives,” quickly realized that the “bad” planet was linked to the pirate ship and adjusted their behavior accordingly to avoid losing points.
However, there was a subset of players who didn’t make this connection, even after several rounds of the game. When the researchers revealed the risk mid-game, most participants changed their strategy to avoid the bad planet.
But a smaller group, labeled “compulsives,” continued to choose the planet that led to negative outcomes, despite being aware of the consequences.
This behavior intrigued the researchers, as it highlighted how some people continue harmful behaviors even after recognizing the risks involved.
The team suggests that these individuals may create rational, but ultimately incorrect, explanations for their suffering, which makes it harder for them to change their behavior.
The findings have important implications for understanding self-destructive behaviors, such as addiction, reckless behavior, and compulsions.
Traditionally, self-destructive actions are explained in two ways: either the person values their harmful behavior more than the negative consequences, or their behavior is beyond their conscious control.
However, this study suggests a third explanation: some people may have difficulty learning from their experiences due to how they process the connection between their actions and the resulting harm.
Part of the challenge, according to the researchers, is that when negative consequences occur infrequently, it can be easier to rationalize continuing the behavior.
This isn’t just a problem for people with addictions or compulsions; it can affect anyone who engages in risky or unhealthy behavior from time to time.
9 Types of Self-Destructive Behavior
Self-destructive behaviors can harm both physical and mental health, as well as damage relationships and overall well-being. These behaviors often stem from deeper emotional or psychological issues. Here are nine examples of self-destructive behavior:
- Substance Abuse: Excessive use of drugs or alcohol, leading to addiction and negative impacts on physical health, relationships, and emotional well-being.
- Eating Disorders: Conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, which can cause serious physical and emotional health problems.
- Self-Harm: Intentional injury, such as cutting or burning, often used as a coping mechanism for emotional pain, which can lead to serious physical damage.
- Risky Sexual Behavior: Engaging in unprotected sex or having multiple partners without precautions, which increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections and emotional distress.
- Gambling Addiction: Compulsive gambling, even when it causes financial strain and emotional distress.
- Workaholism: Obsessive working to the point of neglecting health, relationships, and personal well-being.
- Perfectionism: Setting unrealistic expectations and striving for perfection, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
- Self-Isolation: Withdrawing from social situations and avoiding relationships, often due to fear or anxiety, which can lead to loneliness and depression.
- Reckless Behavior: Engaging in dangerous activities, such as driving under the influence or participating in extreme sports without proper safety measures.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting self-destructive behavior, it’s important to seek professional help. These actions may signal underlying mental health issues that require treatment.
This study, conducted by Philip Jean-Richard-dit-Bressel and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offers a new perspective on why some people struggle to change harmful behaviors.
It highlights the need for more tailored interventions that address the cognitive processes behind self-destructive habits.
If you’re interested in mental health, recent studies show that high doses of certain depression medications could impact brain function, and vitamin D may help reduce symptoms of depression.
Additionally, fermented foods have been shown to reduce stress, and the MIND diet could improve cognitive health in older adults.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about 6 foods you can eat to improve mental health, and B vitamins could help prevent depression and anxiety.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and results showing Omega-3 fats may help reduce depression.
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