Most people understand that actions have consequences, and this understanding often helps them make better decisions. However, new research reveals that some individuals may struggle to connect their actions with the negative outcomes they experience.
This difficulty could explain why certain harmful behaviors are so hard to break, even when people want to change.
Psychologists at UNSW Sydney and Western Sydney University investigated this issue through an experiment designed to mimic real-world decision-making.
They found that people who persistently engage in self-destructive behaviors might not lack the desire to change but instead struggle with a cognitive problem. These individuals create logical but incorrect explanations for their suffering, which prevents them from altering their behavior.
The Space Game Experiment
To explore this phenomenon, the researchers designed a simple video game with a space trade theme. Participants played as intergalactic traders, clicking on two planets to collect points for a chance to win money.
Unbeknownst to them, clicking either planet yielded similar rewards, but one planet came with a hidden penalty: it occasionally triggered a pirate ship that stole a large portion of their winnings. The other planet caused no such harm.
Over time, many participants figured out that one planet was “bad” and avoided clicking on it. These individuals, called “sensitives,” adapted their choices to minimize losses and maximize their chances of winning.
However, some participants struggled to make the connection between the bad planet and the pirate ship. When researchers eventually revealed the relationship mid-game, most adjusted their behavior, but not everyone.
A subset of participants, labeled “compulsives,” continued to click the bad planet even after learning about its punishing consequences. This behavior puzzled the researchers and became the focus of the study.
Understanding Self-Destructive Behaviors
The study offers new insights into why some people persist in behaviors that harm them. Typically, self-destructive actions are explained in two ways:
- Value over Consequences
The person values what they are pursuing so highly that they ignore the risks. For example, someone might continue using drugs, gambling, or engaging in risky behaviors because they prioritize the perceived rewards. - Lack of Control or Awareness
The behavior occurs outside the person’s control or awareness, such as in compulsive habits or addictions.
The researchers propose a third explanation: when negative consequences occur infrequently, it becomes easier to rationalize continuing the behavior.
For example, a smoker might dismiss the long-term risks because they don’t experience immediate harm. This tendency to overlook delayed consequences isn’t limited to people with addictions or compulsive tendencies—it’s something everyone can fall into.
Examples of Self-Destructive Behavior
Self-destructive actions can take many forms, and they often harm physical health, mental well-being, relationships, or financial stability. Here are some common examples:
- Substance Abuse: Excessive use of drugs or alcohol that leads to addiction and health problems.
- Eating Disorders: Behaviors like binge eating or extreme dieting that harm physical and emotional health.
- Self-Harm: Intentional injury, such as cutting or burning, often as a way to cope with emotional pain.
- Risky Sexual Behavior: Actions that increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancies.
- Gambling Addiction: Compulsive gambling that causes financial and emotional distress.
- Workaholism: Overworking to the point of neglecting health and personal relationships.
- Perfectionism: Setting unattainable standards, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout.
- Self-Isolation: Withdrawing from social interactions, leading to loneliness and mental health challenges.
- Reckless Behavior: Engaging in dangerous activities like speeding, substance use while driving, or extreme sports without proper precautions.
Why This Research Matters
This study highlights how cognitive challenges can play a role in self-destructive behaviors.
While it’s easy to attribute harmful habits to a lack of willpower or awareness, the research suggests that some people may struggle to connect their actions to consequences. Recognizing this could lead to better support for individuals trying to change their behavior.
If you or someone you know is dealing with self-destructive tendencies, seeking help from a mental health professional can be a critical first step.
Understanding the underlying causes, whether cognitive, emotional, or environmental, can pave the way for healthier choices and improved well-being.
This research, led by Philip Jean-Richard-dit-Bressel and published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offers valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and decision-making.
It also emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding in helping people break free from harmful habits.
If you care about depression, please read studies that vegetarian diet may increase your depression risk, and Vitamin D could help reduce depression symptoms.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that ultra-processed foods may make you feel depressed, and these antioxidants could help reduce the risk of dementia.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
