"For many people, the most obvious solution to psychological pain is escape. It's a common defense mechanism, built on the belief that if you ignore the problem long enough, it'll eventually disappear. According to a 2024 global study by McCann Worldgroup Truth Central, 91% of people say they feel the need to mentally escape at times, and one in two specifically report going online to escape reality."
"Another 2023 study found that this tendency to escape from discomfort is encompassed by three dimensions: Reality detachment. The motivation to mentally detach from real-world stressors or negative realities. Cognitive distraction. The tendency to divert attention away from distressing thoughts or feelings. Anticipated relief. Expecting temporary relief from discomfort and unpleasant states through consumption, and needing to take a break from stressors."
Many people attempt to escape psychological pain through mental withdrawal, distraction, or online consumption, which provides only temporary relief. A 2024 global study by McCann Worldgroup Truth Central found 91% of people feel the need to mentally escape at times, and half report going online to escape reality. A 2023 study categorized escape tendencies into reality detachment, cognitive distraction, and anticipated relief. The illusion of escape is short-lived, so repeated use of avoidance strategies forms habits that accumulate into long-term consequences. Procrastination often functions as emotional avoidance, where delaying important tasks temporarily reduces discomfort but increases later stress.
Read at Psychology Today
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