Avoiding vulnerability is a common behavioral economics response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and behavioral economics opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Behavioral Economics
- Concealing behavioral economics from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when behavioral economics is high is enormous
- Shame about behavioral economics thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of behavioral economics often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Behavioral Economics
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in behavioral economics) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and behavioral economics. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Behavioral Economics
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.