Questioning your beliefs: a challenge in the face of confirmation bias

In a world where information is ubiquitous and we are often confronted with differing opinions, it becomes essential to question our beliefs. This is particularly true in the field of massage therapy, where practitioners must navigate between evidence-based approaches and more traditional beliefs. Confirmation bias, the human tendency to seek out, interpret and retain information that confirms our preconceptions, can lead us away from an objective, nuanced assessment of the facts. This article explores confirmation bias, its mechanisms and implications in various contexts, while highlighting its importance in massage therapy practice.

What is confirmation bias?

Confirmation bias is a well-documented psychological phenomenon that affects the way we think and judge. It occurs when we favor information that corroborates our beliefs, while neglecting information that contradicts them. This bias can influence our perception of reality, whether in our personal interactions, professional choices or even healthcare decisions. For example, when training as a massage therapist, a practitioner may be tempted to focus on success stories linked to specific techniques, while ignoring studies that show mixed results.

Mechanisms of confirmation bias

The mechanisms underlying confirmation bias include cognitive processes such as information selection, biased interpretation and selective memory. When we are exposed to conflicting information, we tend to downplay it or interpret it in a way that conforms to our existing beliefs. This dynamic can also lead to a polarization of opinions, where individuals with opposing beliefs become even more entrenched in their initial positions, making dialogue and mutual understanding more difficult.

The consequences of confirmation bias

The consequences of confirmation bias are far-reaching, and can manifest themselves in many areas. In politics, for example, it can fuel polarization and make it difficult to reach consensus on crucial issues. In a legal setting, it can influence jurors’ decisions, who may be inclined to favor evidence that supports their first impressions. In a healthcare context, a practitioner may mistakenly select only new information that supports an initial diagnosis, while ignoring data that contradicts it. For example, a practitioner receives a client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. He may tend to link the pain the patient describes to this pathology, ignoring contextual factors such as a recent sports injury. This attitude can lead to a reductive understanding of the client’s needs, weakening the relationship of trust and limiting opportunities to tailor treatments to individual needs.

Questioning your beliefs

To counter the effects of confirmation bias, it is crucial to develop a questioning attitude. This involves being open to new information, actively listening to different points of view and critically analyzing data. For massage therapy practitioners, here are some strategies for limiting its impact:

1. Continuing education: Keeping abreast of the latest research and best practices in massage therapy can help counter the effects of confirmation bias. By educating themselves regularly, therapists can broaden their perspective and integrate new information into their practice.
2. Active listening: Practicing active listening with clients helps to better understand their concerns and beliefs. By asking open-ended questions and showing genuine interest in their experiences, therapists can foster constructive dialogue.
3. Openness to feedback: Encouraging customers to share their thoughts and feedback can help identify biased beliefs and adjust treatments accordingly. Feedback is a valuable tool for improving practice and offering care tailored to individual needs.
4. Taking a step back: Therapists need to regularly evaluate their own practice and question their methods. This may involve seeking external opinions, collaborating with other professionals or participating in focus groups to explore different perspectives.

Conclusion

Confirmation bias is an unavoidable phenomenon that influences our beliefs and decisions. As future massage therapists, it is essential to cultivate an awareness of this bias and engage in a process of critical reflection. The ability to recognize and overcome our biases can not only enrich our understanding, but also improve the quality of care we offer our clients.

To remember:

• Confirmation bias: Universal psychological tendency to favour information that confirms our beliefs while neglecting information that contradicts them.
• This bias can lead to ill-informed decisions, limit understanding of customer needs and damage the relationship of trust.
• Confirmation bias mechanisms include information selection, biased interpretation and selective memory.
• An open attitude to new information and different perspectives is essential to counter bias. Training, active listening, openness to feedback and regular evaluation of practice are essential to improving the quality of care.

Sources :

• Hart, W., Albarracín, D., Eagly, A. H., Brechan, I., Lindberg, M. J., & Merrill, L. (2009). Feeling validated versus being correct: A meta-analysis of selective exposure to information. Psychological Bulletin, 135(4), 555-588. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015701
• Thirsk, L. M., Panchuk, J. T., Stahlke, S., & Hagtvedt, R. (2022). Cognitive and implicit biases in nurses’ judgment and decision-making: A scoping review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 133, 104284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104284
• Vorms, M. (2021). Bayes and biases. The “confirmation bias” in question. Revue de métaphysique et de morale, No. 112(4), 567-590. https://doi.org/10.3917/rmm.214.0567.