Involuntary beliefs: biopsychosocial model
Journal: Region - Educational Research and Reviews DOI: 10.32629/rerr.v6i7.2465
Abstract
Beliefs are shaped by personal experiences and the environment, which are inherently individualized and variable. In this essay, I argue that beliefs are not formed voluntarily because of the pervasive influence of unconscious biases. I use a biopsychosocial model to examine this issue. First, I discuss the optimistic bias driven by neural mechanisms and its function in selectively filtering information to maintain psychological well-being. Furthermore, I explore how delusions, especially those caused by traumas, can involuntarily influence belief formation. Finally, I emphasize the importance of family and environment influencing one's beliefs. By integrating these findings in biological, psychological, and social aspects, I conclude that beliefs are not voluntary but are controlled by many factors. This finding is significant for addressing implicit biases and enhancing self-awareness through reflection and critical thinking.
Keywords
belief; optimistic bias; delusions; religion; implicit bias; cognitive process
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[4]Chignell A. 2018. The Ethics of Belief. https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2018/entries/ethics-belief/
[5]Rouault M, Fleming SM. 2020. Formation of global self-beliefs in the human brain. PNAS Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 117(44): 27268-27276. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2003094117
[6]Kuzmanovic B, Rigoux L, Tittgemeyer M. 2018. Influence of vmPFC on dmPFC predicts valence-guided belief formation. J Neurosci, 38(37): 7996-8010. https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.0266-18.2018
[7]Sharot T, Kanai R, Marston D, Korn CW, Rees G, Dolan RJ. 2012. Selectively altering belief formation in the human brain. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(42): 17058-17062. https://doi.org/doi:10.1073/pnas.1205828109
[8]Kouchaki M, Gino F. 2016. Memories of unethical actions become obfuscated over time. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(22): 6166-6171. https://doi.org/doi:10.1073/pnas.1523586113
[9]Kappes A, Crockett MJ. 2016. The benefits and costs of a rose-colored hindsight. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 20(9): 644-646. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2016.06.009
[10] Czekalla N, Stierand J, Stolz DS, et al. 2021. Self-beneficial belief updating as a coping mechanism for stress-induced negative affect. Scientific Reports, 11(1): 17096. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-96264-0
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