The Cognitive and Emotional Effects of Being Explained By Others
Have you ever felt like someone is always trying to explain everything to you, even when you don't need it? Have you had experiences where people insist on explaining things that seem obvious, or giving unnecessary instructions for tasks you know how to do already? If so, then you may be experiencing something called "explanation syndrome." This phenomenon refers to the tendency for individuals to feel constantly explained and taught by others, which can have negative effects on cognition and emotions.
Explanation syndrome occurs when an individual feels they are being told too much or given excessive instructions. It can happen due to various factors such as personality differences, communication styles, or cultural norms.
If someone has a high level of social anxiety or low self-esteem, they may feel uncomfortable asking questions or seeking clarification from others. Similarly, certain cultures may place greater importance on sharing knowledge than others.
In terms of cognitive effects, explanation syndrome can cause confusion and frustration. When information is repeatedly explained without consideration for the listener's prior knowledge or context, it can lead to misunderstandings, misconceptions, and mistakes.
Having to constantly process explanations can lead to mental fatigue and decrease concentration levels.
Emotionally speaking, feeling constantly explained can also affect one's sense of autonomy and independence. It can make them feel like they lack agency over their own learning and decision-making processes. This can lead to feelings of helplessness, resentment, and even anger.
This can damage relationships with those who explain too much and impact overall well-being.
So what can we do about explanation syndrome? Firstly, try to identify whether you or your partner has the condition. Then, communicate openly about how you feel about explanations and seek compromise.
Practice active listening skills and ask questions to clarify any points that aren't clear before deciding to take action. With these strategies, individuals can protect themselves against the negative consequences of overexplaining and maintain healthy relationships with others.
What are the cognitive-emotional consequences of being continuously “explained†by others?
In many cases, individuals who find themselves constantly "explained" can experience negative effects on their self-esteem and sense of autonomy. When someone consistently attempts to explain how another should think or feel about certain situations, they may come across as disrespectful, condescending, or dismissive. This can lead the explained individual to feel invalidated and unappreciated for their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.