The Science of Overthinking
How a normal, useful mind tips into loops. The route runs from how attention and working memory hold information, through how the brain predicts and handles uncertainty, into rumination and catastrophizing, and out through flexibility and decision making.
Attention
This concept is on the build list.
Working Memory
Your brain can only actively hold a limited amount of information at one time.
Predictive Processing
The brain predicts first and verifies second.
Prediction Error
Unexpected outcomes drive learning.
Uncertainty
Intolerance of Uncertainty
The unknown often feels worse than reality.
Rumination
Thinking longer isn't always thinking better.
Catastrophizing
Catastrophizing mistakes possibility for probability.
Cognitive Flexibility
Mental strength includes the ability to revise your thinking.
Analysis Paralysis
More information doesn't always produce better decisions.
Decision Fatigue
Mental energy is spent one decision at a time.