Systems of governance built on prediction markets (with Robin Hanson)

Sep 7, 2023 1h 26m 7 insights Episode Page ↗
Spencer Greenberg speaks with psychologist Pia Callison about Metacognitive Therapy (MCT), a new paradigm for treating anxiety and depression. MCT posits that prolonged thinking (worrying, rumination) about negative thoughts, not the thoughts themselves, causes mental health issues.
Actionable Insights

1. Practice Detached Mindfulness

Learn to be with negative thoughts and feelings without actively engaging with them, pushing them away, or trying to change them, similar to observing a mosquito bite without scratching it. This “lazy approach” allows thoughts and feelings to self-regulate and prevents prolonged mental states.

2. Implement Worry/Rumination Time

Designate a specific, limited time each day (e.g., 15-30 minutes) for worrying or problem-solving. If a worry or rumination arises outside this period, consciously postpone it until your designated time, testing your ability to control engagement with thoughts.

3. Control Your Reaction to Thoughts

Recognize that while trigger thoughts popping into your head are uncontrollable, your subsequent reaction—whether you engage with, ruminate on, or worry about them—is controllable. Focus on altering your response rather than trying to stop the initial thought.

4. Question Prolonged Thinking’s Utility

Actively challenge the belief that extended periods of worrying or rumination are genuinely useful for problem-solving or preparedness. Consider if you would achieve the same or better outcomes by spending significantly less time on these processes.

5. Normalize Negative Self-Perception

Understand that feelings of being “not good enough” or a “failure” are normal human experiences, not unique or stable personal flaws. This normalization can reduce the perceived need to constantly “work on” or solve these feelings.

6. Cease Problem-Solving Low Self-Esteem

If you struggle with low self-esteem, stop actively trying to improve it through methods like positive self-talk or journaling positive events. This “problem-solving” paradoxically prolongs the low self-esteem; instead, practice leaving the feelings alone.

7. Abandon Insomnia Problem-Solving

For insomnia, discard strategies and tools aimed at optimizing sleep. The act of trying to solve sleep issues often maintains the problem; instead, practice detached mindfulness by doing as little as possible with thoughts and feelings about sleep.