I have a terrible habit of avoiding checking my bank account. I can go weeks, sometimes months, without taking a peek, thinking I’ll do it in a few days. The longer I procrastinate, the worse it seems to get. When I finally muster the courage to log on, the anxiety of seeing dwindling funds—or worse, finding out I’m overdrawn—makes me uncomfortable. Ignorance feels easier; I prefer to stay in my blissful delusion.
Many of us have been guilty of this sort of avoidance: steering clear of news we dread. Perhaps you’ve delayed visiting the doctor about nagging symptoms, fearing they might indicate a serious condition. Or maybe you’ve postponed having important discussions with your partner, worried that they may express dissatisfaction with your relationship. Like me, you might think that by dodging the scale after the holidays, those extra pounds will simply vanish.
The Psychology Behind Avoiding Bad News
Research indicates that this tendency, known as information avoidance, is quite prevalent. Studies reveal that individuals often shy away from all kinds of information, even when such avoidance could lead to negative consequences. For instance, many choose not to learn about their risk for certain diseases, even when that knowledge could facilitate timely treatment. Additionally, after making decisions, people tend to seek out information that confirms their choices, avoiding anything that might contradict their beliefs. A significant review found that individuals are nearly twice as likely to engage with information that aligns with their views over that which challenges them.
James Harper, a psychology professor at the University of California, has identified three primary reasons we might choose to avoid unwelcome information:
- Fear of Changing Beliefs: Realizing that a deeply held belief is incorrect can be unsettling. Changing our minds requires effort, and it’s often easier to cling to our existing beliefs. Reading material that affirms our views feels much more comforting.
- Reluctance to Take Action: Discovering that a minor dental issue requires a root canal can be daunting, both emotionally and financially. Remaining in a state of uncertainty about the toothache seems more appealing than confronting the inevitable.
- Desire to Avoid Distress: Sometimes, we simply don’t want to face information that could upset us. For example, stepping on the scale after a holiday binge likely won’t bring any joy.
The Value of Knowing the Truth
While it’s understandable to avoid unpleasant realities, this short-term thinking often leads to more significant problems down the line. If I ignore my toothache, I risk exacerbating the issue and facing greater pain and complications later on. Learning that I need a root canal may be tough to swallow initially, but it allows me the opportunity to address the problem and heal.
Avoiding the scale won’t change the reality of my weight gain. Generally, aligning our beliefs with reality is beneficial, as it empowers us to make necessary changes—whether that means shedding extra pounds or seeking medical treatment.
Of course, there are scenarios where it might be better to remain unaware. If knowing the truth won’t positively impact your life and is genuinely unpleasant, it can be more bearable to stay in the dark. For instance, I’d prefer not to discover whether an old flame was unfaithful; it wouldn’t help my current situation. However, instances where ignorance truly serves us are fairly limited.
Combating Information Avoidance
Recognizing that it’s typically better to confront the truth is one thing; putting that into practice is another. How do you motivate yourself to check your bank balance, step on the scale, or schedule a doctor’s appointment? How can you resist the allure of information avoidance?
Professor Harper and his team have explored this very question. In a recent study, they found that individuals were more open to learning about their disease risk after engaging in a “contemplation” exercise. This involved reflecting on the long-term effects of knowing their risk. By shifting the focus from the immediate dread of possibly being at high risk to the potential benefits of knowing—such as reducing that risk—they found participants were more willing to seek out information.
So, the next time you hesitate to check your finances or delay that doctor’s visit, take a moment to reflect. Are you genuinely better off remaining ignorant? Or might you be creating more significant challenges for yourself in the future?
I have found it helpful to create a pros and cons table regarding the benefits of knowing versus not knowing. For instance, not checking my bank balance may provide temporary relief, but the distress will only grow the longer I wait. Conversely, confronting my financial reality now could enable me to take proactive steps.
Facing the truth can be uncomfortable, yet it also holds immense value. By understanding our circumstances, we can effectively tackle them. As Aldous Huxley wisely stated, “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”
This article was originally published on November 11, 2014.
If you’re interested in learning more about related topics, check out our detailed articles on in vitro fertilization and explore options for a home insemination kit at Make a Mom.
Summary
Avoiding unpleasant truths is a common tendency; however, this behavior can lead to worse outcomes in the long run. Recognizing the long-term benefits of facing reality can help individuals confront their fears, whether related to health, finances, or personal issues. Engaging in reflection and weighing the pros and cons of knowledge versus ignorance can empower individuals to make informed decisions and improve their overall well-being.