What motivates human to reject the truth

   Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "What motivates human to reject the truth", the main reason why I choose that topic because many people reject the truth and they tend to defend their identity rather than shift their mindset to accept the truth, here is

from a psychological perspective, human rejection of truth (clear facts or reality) is often rooted in unconscious ego defense mechanisms. The main purpose of these mechanisms is to protect oneself from pain, anxiety, or threats to self-image.

 Here are some of the main factors that cause humans to reject the truth from a psychological point of view:

 

🛡️ Ego Defense Mechanisms

The most common is Denial, which is the refusal to accept or acknowledge a painful or threatening reality or fact.

 

- Protecting from Trauma or Emotional Pain: When a person is faced with a very traumatic reality (e.g., the death of a loved one, a diagnosis of a serious illness, or a major failure), the brain can automatically activate denial to give itself time to process intense pain gradually.

- Reducing Anxiety and Fear: Rejecting a frightening reality can provide a temporary sense of security and reduce stress levels, even if it is only an illusion.

🧠 Cognitive Biases

The human mind is not always rational; it has mental "shortcuts" called cognitive biases. These biases often lead us to reject new information that contradicts what we already believe.

- Confirmation Bias:

- The tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms existing beliefs or hypotheses.

- Example: A person will actively ignore or downplay evidence that contradicts their views while exaggerating evidence that supports them.

- Dissonance Reduction:

- Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort felt when a person holds two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes.

- To reduce this dissonance, a person may reject new truths that contradict their old beliefs, even if the evidence for the new truth is clear. This helps maintain internal consistency.

- Illusory Truth Effect:

- The tendency to believe information that is repeated frequently, even if it is false. The more often a statement is heard, the easier and more familiar it is to process, and this familiarity is often interpreted as truth.

👤 Threats to Identity and Self-Esteem

Acknowledging certain truths can threaten a person's self-concept or self-esteem.

- Self-Image Protection: If the truth (e.g., that someone has failed or behaved badly) contradicts the positive self-image they want to maintain, denial will act as a protector.

- Fear of Losing Control: The truth about life's uncertainties, illnesses, or situations beyond one's control can create a sense of helplessness. Rejecting that truth can provide an illusion of control.

- Sense of Superiority (People Who Feel They Are the Most Right): Individuals with high levels of narcissism or superiority may reject criticism or facts that challenge their views because it threatens their status as "the most knowledgeable" or "always right."

👥 Social and Environmental Influences

Humans are social creatures, and the need to be part of a group is often stronger than the desire to accept unpopular facts.

- Social Reinforcement: Being in a group where everyone holds the same beliefs (even if those beliefs are wrong) will provide reinforcement. Acknowledging a different truth can risk being ostracized.

- Group Fanaticism (Ta'asshub): Rejection of the truth due to fanaticism towards a particular group, organization, or ideology. Science or truth will only be accepted if it comes from their own group.

 

In summary, humans reject the truth not because they are unable to understand it, but because accepting it would cause pain, discomfort, a threat to identity, or disrupt existing social relationships."

How Psychologists and psychotherapists hold a nuanced and evolving understanding of Hikikomori

  Hi, good day, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "How Psychologists and psychotherapists hold a nuanced and evolving understanding of Hikikomori", the main reason why I choose that topic because there are some people who suffer Hikikomori, In some cases, there is a lack of synchronicity between a hikikomori and the relationship history of the social relationship out there, based on this situation, Psychologists and psychotherapists hold a nuanced and evolving understanding of Hikikomori which is generally defined as severe and prolonged social isolation and withdrawal into one's home for at least six months.

Here are the key perspectives and ongoing debates among mental health professionals:

1. Debating Classification: Condition vs. Disorder

 * Not a Formal DSM/ICD Disorder (Yet): Currently, Hikikomori is not listed as a distinct mental health disorder in major international classification systems like the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) or the ICD (International Classification of Diseases).

 * Culture-Bound Syndrome: Many view it as a "culture-bound syndrome," especially prevalent in Japan, where societal pressures for academic and professional success are intense. However, similar cases are now reported globally, leading to calls for international research.

 * Proposed Diagnostic Criteria: Researchers have proposed formal diagnostic criteria to facilitate international study and consistent clinical assessment, typically focusing on:

   * Marked social isolation in the home.

   * Duration of at least six months.

   * Significant functional impairment or distress associated with the isolation.

2. Association with Existing Mental Health Conditions

A significant point of view is that Hikikomori often co-occurs with or is a symptom of other existing psychiatric disorders, meaning the withdrawal is secondary to a primary mental illness. These often include:

 * Depression and Anxiety Disorders (especially social anxiety disorder).

 * Developmental Disorders (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder).

 * Schizophrenia (though this is considered less common).

However, a subset of cases, often called "primary Hikikomori," show substantial social withdrawal without meeting the full criteria for any existing psychiatric disorder, which fuels the debate about whether it should be recognized as a new, distinct condition.

3. Sociocultural and Psychological Factors

Most professionals recognize that Hikikomori is the result of complex biopsychosocial factors, including:

 * Societal Pressure: A reaction or "silent protest" against the intense pressure for performance and conformity in society, school, or work.

 * Family Dynamics: Issues like overly permissive or overbearing parenting styles and high parental expectations are often implicated.

 * Psychological Distress: Individuals often experience intense loneliness, feelings of shame or inadequacy, and fear of judgment (hypervigilant narcissistic traits), leading to the withdrawal as a coping mechanism to avoid potential failure or humiliation.

4. Approach to Treatment

The preferred approach to treatment is generally multidisciplinary and highly individualized.

 * Psychotherapy: Tailored psychotherapy is key, especially techniques that address underlying anxiety (like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT) or address personal identity, resources, and autonomy.

 * Family Therapy: As the family dynamic is often central, interventions involving the parents or family members (e.g., changing interaction styles from reprimanding to patiently waiting) are crucial.

 * Gradual Re-entry: The ultimate objective is to promote the individual's autonomy and support a non-traumatic, graded re-entry into the social context.

In summary, psychologists and psychotherapists view Hikikomori as a serious and complex phenomenon that causes significant distress and impairment. While they debate its formal diagnostic category—whether it's a culture-bound syndrome, a symptom of existing disorders, or a new condition—there is a consensus that these individuals require specialized, holistic support focusing on both the psychological and social roots of their withdrawal.

Why Do Desires Cause Suffering

 

   Hi, good day, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "Why Do Desires Cause Suffering", the main reason why I choose that topic because many people get suffered when they have many desires in their mind, If we look at why many people suffer today, it is not because of desires, but rather than of having the lack of resources to execute those desires. In general, it is permissible and natural for humans to have many desires. Desire (or passion, aspiration, dream) is a natural part of human nature. Desire can be a motivation that drives us to advance, develop, create, and achieve noble goals.

 

🤔 Why Do Desires Cause Suffering?

 

Suffering does not always arise from desire itself, but from how we relate to those desires and the inability to fulfill them.

 

Some of the main reasons include:

 

1. Unlimited Desires (Dissatisfaction)

- The "Want More" Nature: Desires tend to never stop. When one desire is fulfilled, a new desire will arise (for example, already having Rp10,000 wanting Rp100,000, already having Rp100,000 wanting Rp1,000,000).

- Comparison: We often suffer from comparing what we have with what others have (envy, spite).

2. The Gap between Desire and Reality

- Limitations: Suffering often arises from the mismatch between unlimited desires and limited abilities or realities (time, money, health, or conditions beyond our control).

- Excessive Expectations: When hopes or expectations are too high and unrealistic, failure to achieve them will lead to stress, frustration, and disappointment.

3. Attachment

- According to some teachings, especially Buddhism (which refers to desire as Taṇhā or craving), suffering (called Dukkha) arises because of our attachment to desires and the results of those desires.

- We suffer not only when desires are not fulfilled, but also when something we get (pleasure) is not eternal and must end or be lost. We want to maintain what is pleasant and reject what is unpleasant.

4. Inability to Distinguish Needs and Wants

- Focusing too much on "wanting" (for example, wanting a luxury car) and forgetting "needing" (for example, needing safe transportation) can make life a burden and eliminate gratitude.

 

✅ So, What Should We Do?

 

Desire is like a double-edged sword: it can be a strong motivation, or conversely, a source of suffering.

 

The key is to manage desires by:

 

- Knowing Limits: Realizing that not all desires can or should be fulfilled.

- Focusing on Needs and Noble Goals: Sorting out which desires are important for the well-being of oneself and others, and which are only driven by ego or greed.

- Being Grateful: Learning to accept the current situation and be grateful for what you already have.

- Releasing Attachment: Striving to do your best, but also being ready and sincere in accepting the results, whether you succeed in getting them or not.

 

In short: Desire can be a source of inspiration, but excessive attachment and perpetual dissatisfaction are sources of suffering."

How not to make people suffered with their desires:

 

"🧠 1. Understand the Root of Suffering: "Attachment" to Desires

 

Desire itself does not cause suffering.

What causes suffering is attachment — that is, when we must have it in order to feel happy.

 

Example:

"I want to be accepted for a job there" → normal.

"If I'm not accepted, I'm a failure and my life is ruined" → this is attachment → causes suffering.

 

Key: change desires into preferences, not necessities. 

 

🌿 2. Change Your Mindset: "I choose, but I am not bound by the result"

 

This is a concept from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and is also in line with the teachings of Stoicism and Islamic Sufism.

 

"I can want something, but I will not make the result a condition for my happiness."

 

🌸 Simple exercise:

 

Say: "I try my best, but I leave the result to God." 

Repeat every time anxiety about the result arises.

 

💭 3. Realize That Desires Always Come and Go

 

In mindfulness, we learn to see desires like waves in the sea of consciousness: they come, rise, and then recede.

If you just observe them without having to obey or reject them, they will not hurt you.

 

Exercise: When a strong desire arises, pause and say to yourself: "This is just a surge of desire. I see it coming... and I will let it go."

 

❤️ 4. Replace "I am lacking" with "I am growing"

 

Much suffering comes from feeling deficient: not smart enough, rich enough, liked enough, or successful enough.

 

Change that narrative to:

"I am enough, but I want to grow."

This ignites healthy motivation without feeling pressured.

  

🌙 5. Live with intention, not obsession

 

Intention = focusing on the process.

Obsession = focusing on the result.

 

A person with intention will work peacefully.

A person obsessed will be anxious even before starting.