Organisms feel less stressed when they can control the rewards they can get than when those rewards are given to them for nothing

Controlling the rewards that you get can be more desirable than getting them for nothing. As an extraordinary example, both pigeons and rats prefer to press a lever in order to obtain food (so long as the task is not too difficult) over having the food delivered freely—a theme found in the activities and statements of many scions of great fortunes, who regret the contingency-free nature of their lives, without purpose or striving.

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References

• Sapolsky, Robert. (2004). Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers 13. Why Is Psychological Stress Stressful? (p. 369). New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.

Metadata

Type:🔴 Tags: Biology / Neuroscience / Psychology / Neuropsychology Status:☀️