Avoiding vulnerability is a common motivated reasoning response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and motivated reasoning opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Motivated Reasoning
- Concealing motivated reasoning from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when motivated reasoning is high is enormous
- Shame about motivated reasoning thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of motivated reasoning often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Motivated Reasoning
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in motivated reasoning) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and motivated reasoning. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Motivated Reasoning
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.