Hong Kong psychologist explains the science behind gut feelings

Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)

Have you ever met someone and felt an instant connection? How about immediate dislike? Some of us might think this feeling has something to do with fate or destiny.

But psychologist Andrew Stock has a more scientific explanation. That gut feeling means our brain is working efficiently. Stock is the president of the Psychotherapy Society of Hong Kong and a founding partner at Therapy Partners.

Stock explained that our brains learn to save energy and time by making quick decisions and judgments, often without us even realising it. He called it a “short cut”.

Why does the brain create short cuts?

The brain constantly processes enormous amounts of information. It needs to use this information to make instant decisions. To handle this massive workload, the brain has trained itself to be as productive as possible.

Instead of analysing every detail in a situation, our minds use short cuts to help us focus on the most important information, Stock explained. These short cuts help us quickly respond to new situations based on our previous experience.

“For example, when I see a dog barking loudly, I instantly step back, assuming it could be dangerous. Figuring out if it’s friendly or not comes later,” he said.

We often make snap judgments about people based on a small amount of information – such as how they may look, speak or act when we first meet them.

This can cause us to treat others differently, and we might not even realise it. For example, we might be friendlier to someone who dresses the same way we do while avoiding someone who seems different.

“When you get a gut feeling about a stranger, pause and think about the actual facts you have about them,” Stock explained.

***PLEASE CLEAR THE COPYRIGHTS BEFORE REUSE*** Handout image of Dr Andrew Stock, clinical psychologist and president of the Psychotherapy Society of Hong Kong, 2021. [FEATURES] CREDIT: Dr Andrew Stock

Avoiding false judgments

You can discuss with friends or family to gain different views. We can also consider the other person’s feelings, their situation or the reasons behind their actions.

Stock also suggested making an effort to talk to people from different backgrounds to learn more before making assumptions.

Ask open-ended questions and encourage the other person to share more about themselves. Listen carefully and pay attention to things that don’t match your initial impression.

It is also helpful to reflect on times when your gut feeling was wrong. This helps you realise that your instincts are not always accurate.

“Remember, your brain’s short cuts are there to help, but they’re not always right,” Stock said.

“Taking a little extra time to get to know someone can help you see them more clearly and can lead to better friendships, less conflict and a more open-minded view of the world.”