Obstacles and self-doubt are common occurrences on the path to success. However, a new study by psychology researchers at Ohio State University suggests that the solution is not simply to ignore these doubts; instead, it is better to seriously evaluate every argument.
According to the paper published in the journal Self and Identity, so-called “metacognitive doubt”—or doubting the validity of one’s own thoughts—may actually help an individual strengthen their commitment to a set goal.
As part of the research, experiments were conducted where participants experiencing an “action crisis” (hesitation) regarding significant personal goals had doubt artificially induced regarding their own thoughts.
The experiment was led by the study’s lead author, Professor Patrick Carroll. Initially, Carroll asked 267 participants to identify their most important personal goal (e.g., career advancement). Using a specialized scale, participants assessed how much they doubted their ability to achieve this goal. Through this, the researcher identified individuals experiencing an “action crisis”—those who were wavering on whether it was worth continuing to strive for their goal.
In the next stage, the professor divided the participants into two groups and gave them a writing assignment as part of an alleged “separate study.” The first group was asked to write a story about a time when they were confident in their own thinking. The second group was asked to recall a moment when they doubted their thoughts and realized they were wrong. The purpose of this exercise was to prime the brain toward a certain mindset, inducing either confidence or distrust in one’s own thoughts.
At the conclusion of the experiment, participants returned to their primary goals. The results appeared paradoxical at first glance, yet psychologically logical:
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The “Doubt Against Doubt” Group: Individuals who wrote about doubting their own thinking showed greater determination to achieve their goals. Their “metacognitive doubt” (doubt about their own thoughts) called their initial fears into question. Their brains concluded: “If my thoughts are often wrong, perhaps my doubt that I won’t reach my goal is also false?”
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The “Confidence” Group: Conversely, participants who wrote about being confident in their thoughts gave up on their goals more easily. Their self-confidence reinforced their existing doubt that they would not succeed. They subconsciously believed: “I trust my thoughts; my thoughts tell me I can’t do it, therefore it must be true.”
As Professor Carroll explains: “Doubt plus doubt equals less doubt.” This study demonstrates that when we doubt our abilities, the solution is not to ignore that doubt, but to reflect on the validity of the doubt itself.
In a second experiment, the researcher used an original method to induce doubt: participants completed a test using their non-dominant hand. The shaky handwriting was subconsciously perceived as a sign that their thoughts (including doubts about their goals) were also incorrect or invalid.
Professor Carroll notes that it is difficult to use this method independently, as the effect works best when the individual does not realize the connection between the two events. A therapist, friend, or parent can assist by making the person question the accuracy of their own doubts.
Furthermore, the researcher warns that this technique should be used with caution, ensuring that humility is not replaced by overconfidence and that the individual does not lose the capacity for sound judgment.
