Hard to Change Your Mind?

Three Main Reasons It is So Hard to Change Someone’s Mind

Have you ever tried to convince someone of something only to find that no matter what you say, they will not consider a different thought? Changing someone’s mind can feel like an impossible task, especially when it comes to deeply held beliefs or opinions. In the midst of an election year this should be more evident than ever. Whether it is about politics, health choices, or even personal preferences, people tend to stick to their views even if you give them facts that tell otherwise. There are a few key reasons why it is so difficult to change someone’s mind, and understanding these can help you approach conversations with realistic expectations. Dr. Aaron Workman, a member of one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in Lexington, discusses three main reasons.

1. Cognitive Dissonance

One of the primary reasons people resist changing their minds is something called cognitive dissonance. It is the equivalent of a mental tug of war. This is that uncomfortable feeling that comes up when a person has two conflicting thoughts. For example, if a person believes they are environmentally conscious but litters, utilizes lots of plastics (water bottles) regularly, or does not recycle, they experience cognitive dissonance and it is uncomfortable.

When faced with information that contradicts what they believe, people find ways to justify what they feel is true, which in turn avoids the discomfort of cognitive dissonance. Another example we likely encounter daily is someone who is presented with evidence that their preferred political candidate made a poor decision.  This person would then downplay the mistake or argue that the opposing candidate would have been worse. The brain’s natural tendency is to maintain harmony in thoughts, which makes it incredibly hard to accept contradictory information.

2. Confirmation Bias

Another reason you are not changing someone’s mind is confirmation bias. We look for the things that confirm what we already believe. We readily accept anything that may hint at supporting our viewpoint, even if we have not looked the information up to validate its truth. However, when we are given opposing information, we tend to dismiss or ignore it.

3. Pressure

Changing a belief can feel like a threat to how you view yourself, making people even more resistant to change. There can be a fear that any other thought or belief could mean abandonment of the social groups that may be most enjoyed in your life. By having emotional attachments assigned to beliefs you will find having a logical discussion noneffective.

Social pressure also plays a huge role. People are more likely to maintain beliefs that align with those of their family and friends. The fear of being judged, criticized, or banned from family events can be enough to keep people from changing their minds, even if deep down they think the belief is wrong. It is easier to follow the flow of traffic rather than leading the flow.

As the holidays approach it is important to keep these things in mind. Changing someone’s mind is near impossible. We are wired to continue to believe what we already know whether it is true or false. If we come into a conversation understanding this huge challenge, we can approach conversations more compassionately and recognize that changing a belief is a gradual process.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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