Most people learn from an early age that actions have consequences. However, a new study from UNSW Sydney and Western Sydney University suggests that some individuals may struggle to recognize this connection, making it harder for them to stop self-destructive behaviors.
The Study: Understanding Why Some People Persist in Harmful Actions
Researchers designed a video game experiment where young adults played as space traders collecting points to win a monetary prize. Players could choose between two planets, but one of them triggered a pirate ship that stole a large portion of their earnings.
The study found that:
- Some players (the “sensitives”) quickly recognized that clicking the wrong planet led to punishment and changed their behavior to avoid losses.
- Others struggled to make the connection but adjusted their choices once the link was explicitly explained to them.
- A subset of players (“compulsives”) continued making the wrong choice, even after being warned about the consequences.
These “compulsives” were the focus of the study. The findings suggest that some people who struggle with harmful habits may not lack willpower but instead form incorrect explanations for their suffering.
Why Do People Engage in Self-Destructive Behaviors?
Traditionally, self-destructive behaviors are thought to stem from two main explanations:
- The person values the harmful behavior too much – such as addiction to drugs, alcohol, or gambling.
- The behavior feels uncontrollable or happens outside of awareness – like compulsions in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
However, the study introduces another possibility:
- When negative consequences happen infrequently, people may find it easier to ignore risks and continue engaging in harmful behavior.
- This pattern is not limited to people with addiction or compulsive tendencies—it affects everyone to some degree.
9 Common Types of Self-Destructive Behavior
Self-destructive behaviors can be intentional or unintentional, and they can harm physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Here are nine common examples:
- Substance Abuse – Overusing drugs or alcohol, leading to addiction and health problems.
- Eating Disorders – Conditions like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating that harm physical and emotional health.
- Self-Harm – Engaging in cutting, burning, or injuring oneself as a way to cope with emotional pain.
- Risky Sexual Behavior – Unprotected sex or multiple partners without precautions, leading to STIs and emotional distress.
- Gambling Addiction – Compulsive gambling that causes financial and emotional harm.
- Workaholism – Overworking at the cost of mental health, relationships, and well-being.
- Perfectionism – Setting unrealistic goals and striving for perfection, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout.
- Self-Isolation – Avoiding social interactions due to fear, anxiety, or depression, leading to loneliness.
- Reckless Behavior – Engaging in dangerous activities like speeding, extreme sports without training, or driving under the influence.
Why It’s Important to Seek Help
Many self-destructive behaviors stem from deeper emotional or mental health struggles. If you or someone you know struggles with these behaviors, it’s important to seek professional help.
- Therapy can help individuals understand their behaviors and develop healthier coping strategies.
- Support groups can provide encouragement from others with similar experiences.
- Medical treatment may be necessary for conditions like addiction, eating disorders, or depression.
Final Thoughts
This study, led by Philip Jean-Richard-dit-Bressel and published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, sheds light on why some people persist in harmful habits despite negative consequences. Understanding this can help improve treatments for addiction, compulsive behaviors, and other mental health challenges.
If you struggle with self-destructive habits, you are not alone, and help is available. Seeking support is the first step toward breaking negative cycles and building a healthier future.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and 6 foods you can eat to improve mental health.
For more mental health information, please see recent studies about top foods to tame your stress, and Omega-3 fats may help reduce depression.
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