Decision making is a cognitive process that involves choosing a course of action from multiple alternatives. It is a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, as we constantly make decisions, ranging from simple ones like choosing what to wear, to complex ones such as career choices, financial decisions, or moral dilemmas.
In psychology, decision making is often studied in relation to factors such as cognitive biases, risk assessment, probability estimation, and the influence of emotion on judgment. Problems with decision making can arise due to various factors such as stress, anxiety, information overload, lack of clear options, or the presence of too many choices (known as 'choice overload' or 'analysis paralysis').
Difficulties with decision making can also be a symptom of certain mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and conditions associated with executive function deficits like ADHD. These individuals may find it hard to make decisions, often second-guessing themselves, or they may avoid decision-making tasks due to overwhelming anxiety.
Therapists and psychologists can support individuals facing decision-making challenges by helping them to understand their thought patterns and feelings around decisions, learn effective decision-making strategies, manage anxiety and stress, and improve their confidence in their ability to make decisions. This can lead to enhanced decision-making skills, reduced anxiety, and improved overall mental health.