{"id":41915,"date":"2022-09-24T12:17:06","date_gmt":"2022-09-24T16:17:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/?p=41915"},"modified":"2022-09-24T12:17:10","modified_gmt":"2022-09-24T16:17:10","slug":"the-science-of-believing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/the-science-of-believing\/","title":{"rendered":"The Science of Believing: 7 Key Findings From a New Study"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/the-science-of-believing\/#The_Science_of_Believing_7_Key_Points\" title=\"The Science of Believing: 7 Key Points&nbsp;\">The Science of Believing: 7 Key Points&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/the-science-of-believing\/#1_Facts_Usually_Dont_Change_Beliefs\" title=\"1. Facts Usually Don\u2019t Change Beliefs\">1. Facts Usually Don\u2019t Change Beliefs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/the-science-of-believing\/#2_Changing_Someones_Beliefs_Is_Difficult\" title=\"2. Changing Someone\u2019s Beliefs Is Difficult\">2. Changing Someone\u2019s Beliefs Is Difficult<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/the-science-of-believing\/#3_Believing_In_Yourself_Can_Improve_Your_Mental_Health\" title=\"3. Believing In Yourself Can Improve Your Mental Health\">3. Believing In Yourself Can Improve Your Mental Health<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/the-science-of-believing\/#4_How_To_Change_Your_Own_Beliefs\" title=\"4. How To Change Your Own Beliefs\">4. How To Change Your Own Beliefs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/the-science-of-believing\/#5_Neuroscience_and_Beliefs\" title=\"5. Neuroscience and Beliefs\">5. Neuroscience and Beliefs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/the-science-of-believing\/#6_Spinozan_Belief-Fixation_System\" title=\"6. Spinozan Belief-Fixation System\">6. Spinozan Belief-Fixation System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/the-science-of-believing\/#7_Pain_and_Believing_in_Placebo\" title=\"7. Pain and Believing in Placebo\">7. Pain and Believing in Placebo<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/the-science-of-believing\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>The science of believing is\u00a0an area of focus in the field of Neuroscience. While neuroscience seeks to understands how the brain works, the science of believing attempts to understand our brains in action. Beliefs are incredibly consequential, as they directly impact almost every aspect of our lives.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Often, our beliefs are faulty and need to be challenged. The problem is that beliefs are strongly linked to emotions. The result is that we feel threatened when our belief systems are challenged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, when we change <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link \" title=\"your thinking\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/distorted-thinking-and-cognitive-distortions\/\">our thinking<\/a>, we change our brain\u2019s biochemical potential, initiate the growth process, and afford ourselves a greater quality of life.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested to know more? Let\u2019s find out more about the science of believing.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-Pinterest.jpg\" alt=\"The Science of Believing 7 Key Findings From a New Study\" class=\"wp-image-41926 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-Pinterest.jpg\" alt=\"The Science of Believing 7 Key Findings From a New Study\" class=\"wp-image-41926 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-Pinterest.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-Pinterest-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-Pinterest-750x1125.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-Pinterest-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-Pinterest-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-Pinterest-480x720.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>The Science of Believing: 7 Key Findings From a New Study<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Science_of_Believing_7_Key_Points\"><\/span>The Science of Believing: 7 Key Points&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What follows is 7 takeaways from research on the science of believing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Facts_Usually_Dont_Change_Beliefs\"><\/span>1. Facts Usually Don\u2019t Change Beliefs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Evidence usually doesn\u2019t change our beliefs on a topic, whether it&#8217;s war, GMOs, or vaccines. Ideally, we use logic and facts to make an argument and support our opinion.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, according to a <a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/mental-health-new-study-finds-simply-believing-you-can-do-something-to-improve-it-is-linked-with-higher-wellbeing-179499\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new study of beliefs<\/a>, we tend to use only those facts that support our opinions. If facts counter our beliefs, we tend to deny them, or discard them as irrelevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Changing_Someones_Beliefs_Is_Difficult\"><\/span>2. Changing Someone\u2019s Beliefs Is Difficult<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, it is wise to avoid directly challenging another person\u2019s belief system. When beliefs are threatened, we tend to double-down on them, no matter how irrational or flimsy they are.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, try to understand WHY the other person believes what they do. Try engaging in a conversation and finding common ground. You are more likely to help a person change their belief if you approach it with collaboration instead of conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Believing_In_Yourself_Can_Improve_Your_Mental_Health\"><\/span>3. Believing In Yourself Can Improve Your Mental Health<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Millions of people suffer from <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link \" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/mental-health\/\" title=\"mental health\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">mental health<\/a> disorders. According to a new study, people can improve their well being by simply <a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/mental-health-new-study-finds-simply-believing-you-can-do-something-to-improve-it-is-linked-with-higher-wellbeing-179499\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">believing that they can do something <\/a>and achieve their desired goals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this study, 3015 Danish people participated and the conclusion was obvious \u2013 the more you believe in yourself, the stronger you are mentally.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All in all, the positive beliefs about your abilities to do something is very important to your well being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_How_To_Change_Your_Own_Beliefs\"><\/span>4. How To Change Your Own Beliefs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The answer is curiosity. Scientific curiosity leads us to a better life, and bigger opportunities, and helps to practice an open-minded approach.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research shows that those who like to discover something new every day are more open to new information and sensibilities. If you are open to the world, you have more knowledge, more insight, and a<a href=\"https:\/\/hello100.com\/sharp-mind-and-nmn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> sharper mind<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"The Science of Believing\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UieZ6dJtC44?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>The Science of Believing. Courtesy, YouTube.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Neuroscience_and_Beliefs\"><\/span>5. Neuroscience and Beliefs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Beliefs start to form when we are around 5 years old. Research shows that the amygdala and the hippocampus help to form and implement beliefs. The NMDA receptor is responsible for belief formation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our beliefs harden like concrete as our brain develops. This may explain why beliefs are so difficult to change.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Spinozan_Belief-Fixation_System\"><\/span>6. Spinozan Belief-Fixation System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Spinozan belief-fixation system relieves the acquisition and rejection processes of belief. The most important aspect is that it is easy and quietly automatic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But these beliefs can later be approved or rejected by the same person. As a rule, the rejection process is active and needs a person\u2019s effort.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The understanding of the Spinozan<a href=\"https:\/\/wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/epdf\/10.1002\/wcs.1539\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> belief-fixation system<\/a> helps to understand real-world people\u2019s belief issues. For instance, why so many people believe in fake news, propaganda, and unfounded conspiracy theories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Pain_and_Believing_in_Placebo\"><\/span>7. Pain and Believing in Placebo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pain is the body&#8217;s response that could be related to psychology. In other words, a person&#8217;s beliefs about pain greatly influence their symptoms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although placebo effectiveness is questionable, according to science, placebo effects are<a href=\"https:\/\/wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/epdf\/10.1002\/wcs.1539\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> effective in ~1\/3 of patients<\/a>. There are very interesting facts in the science of beliefs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, the color of a placebo pill will change how people feel after taking the placebo pill. Red pills will act as stimulants in comparison with blues. Another amazing fact is that cost affects patients\u2019 health: the more a placebo costs, the more effective it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beliefs and believing are related to neurotransmitters in our brains. That is the reason why scientists can estimate and conduct basic and even clinical research on the science of believing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is easy to accept beliefs without question. But it is quite difficult to change them. Beliefs have a direct impact on our mental health, our well-being, our <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link \" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/relationships\/\" title=\"relationships\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">relationships<\/a>, and the way we live and function in society.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While many beliefs are positive in nature, it is important to challenge and overcome any beliefs that keep us stuck, sick, or otherwise prevent us from living to our fullest potential.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While neuroscience seeks to understands how the brain works, the science of believing attempts to understand our brains in action.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":41925,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[857,869,28,870],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"modified_by":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study.jpg",800,450,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-150x84.jpg",150,84,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-300x169.jpg",300,169,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-750x422.jpg",750,422,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study.jpg",800,450,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study.jpg",800,450,false],"tiny":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study.jpg",60,34,false],"thumbnail-medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-480x384.jpg",480,384,true],"thumbnail-square":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-480x450.jpg",480,450,true],"thumbnail-portrait":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-480x450.jpg",480,450,true],"thumbnail-large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Science-of-Believing-7-Key-Findings-From-a-New-Study-720x450.jpg",720,450,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"While neuroscience seeks to understands how the brain works, the science of believing attempts to understand our brains in action.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41915"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41915"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41915\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41925"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41915"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41915"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41915"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}