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Rationalizing self-defeating behaviors: Theory and evidence
Lars J Lefgren1, Olga B Stoddard2, John E Stovall2
1Department of Economics, Brigham Young University and National Bureau of Economic Research, United States.
Journal of Health Economics
|December 31, 2020
Summary
Individuals limit their focus to a few stimuli, explaining self-defeating behaviors like addiction and depression. This cognitive constraint framework was validated in a recent experiment.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Self-defeating behaviors, including self-harm, addiction, and risky sexual conduct, are prevalent.
- Apathy and inaction in the face of multiple problems are common psychological experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and test a theoretical framework explaining self-defeating behaviors and inaction.
- To investigate the cognitive limitations influencing decision-making in complex situations.
Main Methods:
- Development of a theoretical model based on limited cognitive capacity for processing stimuli.
- Experimental validation of the proposed framework with human subjects.
Main Results:
- The study found that over two-thirds of participants exhibited behaviors consistent with the theoretical framework.
- Evidence suggests a limited capacity to process concurrent stimuli underlies self-defeating actions.
Conclusions:
- The proposed cognitive framework offers a novel explanation for a range of self-defeating behaviors.
- Understanding stimulus processing limitations is crucial for addressing psychological and behavioral issues.
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