uncertainty

uncertainty or self-insecurity stands in psychology as the opposite pole to self-confidence. Both extremes are an emotional-subjective feeling that is not based on the actual performance of the person concerned. A strongly pronounced self-insecurity fulfills the criteria of an anxious-avoidant personality disorder, which is differentiated from anxiety disorders or social phobias and for the development of which, in addition to environmental factors, genetic predisposition is seen as one of the main causes.

What is the uncertainty?

The term insecurity is used synonymously in psychology with self-insecurity and embodies the opposite pole to self-confidence. In both cases, it is an emotional-subjective feeling that does not necessarily have to correspond to actual criteria such as performance in the persons concerned.

If the insecurity is clearly pronounced, a self-insecure-avoiding personality disorder can develop, which is mostly associated with inhibitions in communication and with fear of criticism, rejection, feelings of inferiority and other negative feelings.

The transitions between a feeling of insecurity and the diagnosable self-insecure-avoiding personality disorder are fluid. A temporary feeling of insecurity in special social situations such as exams, job interviews and public lectures does not meet the criterion of self-insecure-avoiding personality disorders. Trembling knees, red spots on the face, neck and décolleté and cold sweat on the skin are often observed as accompanying symptoms in such situations.

The differentiation between feelings of insecurity and the presence of a self-insecure-avoiding personality disorder is important with regard to possible therapies.

Function & task

Insecurity, which is almost always accompanied by fear, can perform important protective functions. The only prerequisite for this is that uncertainty and fear are within a tolerable range that is regarded as normal.

First and foremost, fear and insecurity protect against overestimating oneself and misjudging one's own abilities and skills. Particularly when exercising extreme sports and other potentially dangerous private or professional activities, in the absence of uncertainty, risks can be assessed as unrealistically low, so that unexpectedly dangerous and immediately life-threatening situations can arise that would have been avoidable.

A certain amount of fear and uncertainty in certain situations activates the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the release of stress hormones and can lead to improved concentration and physical performance. Short-term stressors increase the release of the two catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline, while permanent stress increases glucocorticoids such as cortisone, cortisol, etc. can be proven.

Catecholamines cause a number of physiologically effective changes that optimally program the metabolism to escape or attack. Glucocorticoids, on the other hand, lead to an increased mobilization of body resources. The increased ability to concentrate promotes creative solutions in crisis situations. This means that perceived insecurity not only has negative aspects, but has even contributed to lasting improvements beyond its immediate protective effect.

Only with pathologically increased insecurity and fear do negative aspects predominate, which in the long term can lead to considerable social isolation of those affected.

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Illnesses & ailments

The protective effect and the performance-enhancing aspects can turn into the opposite if insecurity and fear are permanently pathologically increased. A permanently elevated level of stress, also known as distress, causes a number of physiological changes in the body that can lead to serious illnesses such as high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, heart attack, general weakness and many other problems. Above all, the immune system suffers from constant stress, so that, for example, there is an increased susceptibility to infection.

In addition to the physiological changes in the body, a permanently increased level of stress hormones also has significant effects on the psyche. Concentration and cognitive performance are affected and decline. A state of exhaustion, depression or burnout can develop with a simultaneous increased risk of developing nicotine or alcohol addiction.

When trying to solve the problem, it must be taken into account that stressors cannot be measured objectively, but that their effects can vary greatly depending on the individual's stress tolerance. It would therefore not be expedient to avoid causative stressors, but rather it is more promising to improve the handling of stressors in such a way that an improved stress management is achieved with a demonstrably lower concentration of stress hormones.

In connection with pathologically increased and permanent insecurity, a self-insecure-avoiding personality disorder can set in. It is characterized by the fact that those affected feel subjectively insecure, inferior and unaccepted, but long for affection and acceptance. They suffer from a pathologically increased fear of criticism and rejection and are inhibited in their communication with other people.

The personality disorder means that those affected consciously and unconsciously avoid contact with people who could trigger feelings of rejection and exclusion in them. Their self-esteem is poor and their social contacts are usually limited to a few people who are believed not to pose a threat.

The self-insecure avoiding personality disorder ultimately leads to social isolation and includes strict problem avoidance behavior. In many ways, the disease resembles a social phobia, which, however, is situation-related and only shows up when there are special requirements such as exams, job interviews or public lectures.