The Psychology Behind Everyday Decisions: Why We Do What We Do - Ms. Ayesha Sabeen M / Assistant Professor & Head / PG Department of Psychology / MKJC(A)

 The Psychology Behind Everyday Decisions: Why We Do What We Do

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why we choose chocolate over vanilla, or why we delay tasks even when we know it’s bad for us? Psychology isn’t just about disorders or therapy—it’s about everyday behaviors, choices, and reactions. Understanding the why behind what we do can help us grow, improve relationships, and live more mindfully.

1. The Invisible Forces Behind Choices

Our decisions aren’t always logical. Behavioral psychology explains that our choices are often influenced by:

· Past experiences (classical and operant conditioning)

· Social context (peer pressure, conformity)

· Cognitive biases (confirmation bias, availability heuristic)

Example: You might keep buying a brand of chips not because it tastes the best—but because of nostalgic memories from childhood.

2. Emotions Drive More Than We Think

Emotions are not just reactions—they’re motivators. According to neuroscientific research:

· Emotions influence attention, learning, and memory.

· Negative emotions like fear can cause avoidance.

· Positive emotions encourage exploration and risk-taking.

Tip: Journaling emotions can help increase emotional intelligence (EI), a key skill for both personal and professional growth.

3. Social Media and Mental Health

Today’s digital world creates a “comparison culture.” Constant scrolling can:

· Trigger anxiety and self-doubt.

· Reduce real-life social interactions.

· Create addictive behavior patterns (dopamine-based reward systems).

But when used mindfully, it can also:

· Build support networks.

· Encourage self-expression and activism.

4. Cognitive Traps That Hold Us Back

From procrastination to overthinking, our minds often work against us.

Cognitive distortions like catastrophizing, black-and-white thinking, and personalization distort reality.

Metacognition—thinking about our thinking—helps break the cycle.

Simple Strategy: Practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques like thought-challenging and reframing to regain control over thoughts.

5. The Healing Power of Relationships

Humans are wired for connection. Psychologist John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory shows how early bonds shape future relationships.

Secure attachments foster confidence.

Insecure attachments can lead to anxiety or avoidance.

As adults, we can develop secure connections through:

· Open communication

· Emotional availability

· Empathy and active listening

Conclusion: Applying Psychology to Life

Psychology offers practical tools to understand ourselves and others better. Whether it’s improving self-awareness, handling stress, or navigating relationships, the science of behavior and mind is a powerful guide.

Final Thought

“Understanding yourself is the beginning of wisdom.”

Start today—observe your thoughts, question your patterns, and take mindful steps toward mental wellness.

A Blog By

Ms. Ayesha Sabeen M

Head & Assistant Professor

PG Department of Psychology

Marudhar Kesari Jain College for Women (Autonomous)

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