How Uncertainty is Fuelled by Anxiety Essay Example

allergy. Grupe and Jack Nietzsche from the University of Wisconsin have proposed a theory on the brain mechanism involved in this psychological allergy. In ambiguous or unpredictable situations, the brain looks for environmental clues and associates them with safety or threat based on past experiences.

If a person fails, their brain will classify everything as a threat since it cannot distinguish between danger and safety. The amygdala is responsible for identifying threats and ensuring safety. Uncertainty can be stimulating and encouraging in specific circumstances. According to Professor Ayelet Fishbach's study, individuals often feel more enthusiastic and put in more effort when the outcome of a task is uncertain. However, this excitement typically occurs when the risks are low, so it is crucial to keep them manageable to prevent feelings of terror. It is important to recognize that not everyone finds fulfillment in a specific salary. Excessive suspense can result in either pursuing or avoiding strategies. For instance, someone suspecting their partner's infidelity may opt for confronting their suspicions or completely ignoring the situation. Research suggests that individuals with high uncertainty intolerance (UI) tend to compare themselves to others.

Comparing one's performance to others can provide clarity for individuals who are unsure about their level of success. Seeking answers from others is a common approach for those in avoidance mode, as it helps them avoid unpredictable situations that may challenge their worries. Consequently, these strategies are often utilized by many individuals. When someone becomes accustomed to uncertainty, they may be more prone to suspecting their spouse. However, excessive avoidance can lead to actions like turning down a promotion due to uncertainties surrounding the new job, as Dugas suggests.

Grupe also argues that avoiding unpredictable situations may cause individuals to miss out on opportunities that could disprove their worries.

For instance, an individual who desires to attend a party might experience unease regarding the potential for embarrassment. Nevertheless, if they actually attend the event, they can demonstrate that their apprehension is baseless and decrease their anxiety. When someone's life is adversely impacted by their fear of the unknown outcome, they may opt to acknowledge and coexist with it. Dugas and his colleagues developed a cognitive behavioral therapy centered on this concept, which has proven effective for patients diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Some individuals possess a inclination to directly confront challenging situations, while others lean towards avoiding them, and some fall somewhere in between.

Different individuals manifest various concerns about uncertainty. For example, a businesswoman who constantly monitors the stock market might benefit from limiting her checks to once a day, or even less frequently. The objective is to provide them with a taste of uncertainty. Ultimately, uncertainty permeates everyone's life. Regardless of how often you compare yourself to others, consume news, or check your email, no matter how much you worry, you can never truly comprehend what awaits you after death, what others think of you, or what the next five years will bring. Hence, our task is to embrace and become at ease with the uncertainties we face.

Then at least you become accustomed to it.