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Self-Sabotage May Reflect the Brain’s Need for Control and Safety

Dr. Heriot-Maitland links self-sabotage to evolutionary survival, showing the brain prefers controlled harm to avoid greater threats, affecting behaviors like procrastination and perfectionism.

Summary by Medical Xpress
Self-harming and self-sabotaging behaviors, from skin picking to ghosting people, all stem from evolutionary survival mechanisms, according to a compelling new psychological analysis.

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Self-sabotage may reflect the brain’s need for control and safety

Self-harming and self-sabotaging behaviors, from skin picking to ghosting people, all stem from evolutionary survival mechanisms, according to a compelling new psychological analysis.

·United States
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Medical XpressMedical Xpress
Center

Why nail-biting, procrastination and other self-sabotaging behaviors are rooted in survival instincts

Self-harming and self-sabotaging behaviors, from skin picking to ghosting people, all stem from evolutionary survival mechanisms, according to a compelling new psychological analysis.

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El MundoEl Mundo
Lean Right

Stuffing Food, Biting Nails and Other Self-Destructive Behaviors Have Their Origin in Survival Instincts.

Clinical psychologist Charlie Heriot-Maitland explores the biological needs behind some harmful behaviors: "The brain uses small damage as a protective dose to prevent major damage" Read

·Madrid, Spain
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verdenews.comverdenews.com
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williamsnews.comwilliamsnews.com

People Who Struggle With Self-Awareness Often Display These 8 Behaviors, Psychologists Say

Improving your self-awareness can improve your relationships with others.

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verdenews.com broke the news in on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
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