Human beings are not always—in fact, probably not often—the objective, rational creatures we like to think we are. In the past few decades, psychologists have demonstrated the many ways people deceive themselves in the process of reasoning. Cognitive faculties are a distinguishing feature of humanity—lifting humankind out of caves and enabling language, arts, and sciences. Nevertheless, they are a
What Is Motivated Reasoning? (Plain Language Explanation)
Motivated Reasoning refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Motivated Reasoning
- Symptoms: The specific ways motivated reasoning shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen motivated reasoning
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When motivated reasoning occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Motivated Reasoning
- Motivated Reasoning is far more common than most people realize
- Motivated Reasoning is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with motivated reasoning see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about motivated reasoning is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing motivated reasoning, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.