Exploring Emotional Reasoning and Its Impact on Decision Making

Emotional reasoning is a cognitive process that can dramatically affect how we see the world and make choices. This way of thinking can be a double-edged sword, helping us understand our feelings while also creating barriers to rational decisions. In this blog post, we will explore what emotional reasoning is, how it appears in daily life, and its significant impact on our decision-making processes.

What is Emotional Reasoning?

Emotional reasoning is when we allow our feelings to dictate our thoughts and beliefs. This often leads us to interpret our emotional responses as hard facts. For example, if someone feels anxious about an upcoming job interview, they may start to believe they are unqualified for the role, despite having the relevant skills and experience.

At its core, emotional reasoning treats feelings as reality. This can cause us to make distorted decisions based on emotions like fear or sadness. Research shows that cognitive distortions, such as emotional reasoning, can interfere with clear thinking and lead to negative outcomes.

The Role of Emotional Reasoning in Everyday Life

Emotional reasoning is present not just in critical decisions but also in our everyday interactions. Take the example of a canceled lunch date with a close friend. Instead of considering that their cancellation might be due to a busy schedule, one might feel rejected and think the friendship is in trouble.

This mistaken belief can trigger unnecessary confrontations or even force one to withdraw from the friendship, causing more harm than good. According to studies, about 70% of people report feeling anxious or insecure in relationships, often due to emotional reasoning.

Recognising Emotional Reasoning Patterns

Awareness is the first step to countering emotional reasoning. Common patterns include:

1. Jumping to Conclusions: Assuming the worst based solely on feelings.

   
   

2. Overgeneralisation: You become angry easily .You travelling to an interview , you are delayed by change of bus time table. You think,This is typical, nothing ever works for me and you become tense and angry.

   
   

3. Catastrophising: Tendency to expect the worst possible outcome in every situation and creating unnecessary stress.

   
   

Identifying these habits can help us see when our emotions might be influencing our judgments.

The Impact of Emotional Reasoning on Decision Making

The problem with viewing your feelings as factual is that you stop looking for contradicting information or for any additional information at all.Emotional reasoning can drastically skew our decision-making in various areas of life. Here are some specific examples:

Personal Relationships

Deciding based on emotions can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, if one partner feels neglected, they might think their partner no longer cares. This kind of thinking can easily spark arguments and distance rather than resolve issues, leading to a 30% increase in relationship dissatisfaction over time.

Professional Choices

In the workplace, emotional reasoning can result in poor career moves. For instance, if employees feel undervalued, they may choose to leave their jobs. A survey revealed that 48% of employees who quit reported they never discussed their feelings with management first. This decision can hinder career growth and create a negative workplace atmosphere.

Financial Decisions

Emotions can greatly influence financial choices. For example, someone might feel excited about a risky investment and skip essential research, potentially leading to losses averaging 20% in high-risk trades. Conversely, fear of financial loss can prevent individuals from seizing advantageous opportunities, costing them substantial gains over time.

Strategies to Manage Emotional Reasoning

Here are some practical techniques to navigate emotional reasoning effectively:

1. Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to assess whether your feelings are driving your conclusions. A brief pause can lead to clearer thinking.

   
   

2. Challenge Emotion-Based Thoughts: Actively question the emotions that drive your beliefs. For example, ask yourself if there is evidence to support your feelings.

   
   

3. Seek External Input: Talk to trusted friends or professionals to gain a fresh perspective. They can help counter emotional biases with objective viewpoints.

   
   

4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation, can improve self-awareness and help you recognize when your emotions are steering your decisions.

   
   

5. Educate Yourself: Knowledge about emotional reasoning and cognitive errors can empower you to face your biases head-on.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Emotional reasoning is a natural part of being human. It shapes how we interact with the world and ourselves. While it can offer insights into our feelings, it can also impair our judgment. By recognising emotional reasoning patterns and understanding their impact, we can apply strategies to manage our emotions effectively. This leads to more informed and balanced choices in our personal, professional, and financial lives.

"Stillness in nature, a quiet space capturing the essence of calm thinking and reflection.

By examining how emotional reasoning works, we can improve our awareness and enhance our decision-making, ultimately aligning our choices with our values and aspirations.