Semmelweis reflex 🧐
🧠 Psych - 37 / 100
Hello,
Today, we will be talking about the Semmelweis reflex. It’s a very interesting one!
What is it?
It is defined as the reflex-like rejection of evidence or novel knowledge which contradicts established norms, beliefs and paradigms.
Example -
You would definitely know some people who never appreciates a new take or new perspective to things. For them, an old method to doing a task is the only right method.
Where does it occur?
This effect is similar to Confirmation Bias and hence, if someone shows confirmation bias, you can understand what kind of mindset they have towards things, ideologies.
However, outliers always exist. Be sure not to judge them until confirming the case.
Why do I need to know?
A lot of people in your lives you meet would have a mindset of a fix kind where you will get tired convincing them but they won’t nudge any little.
It’s better that to apply your energy, time & effort where it is actually worth it.
Takeaways:-
Rejecting a challenge to your status quo and reactively sticking with your preferences is called the Semmelweis reflex.
Wash your hands because this is the guy who was the first one to tell it.
[Interesting Story]
While researching for this effect which is based on Ignaz Semmelweis, I found out this story about him:-
The story goes that, in the 19th century, Semmelweis realised that child mortality rates in the hospital he worked at dramatically fell if fellow doctors washed their hands with chlorine disinfectant often.
It sounds incredible today, but in those times doctors thought nothing of not washing their hands between doing an autopsy and seeing an expectant mother.
Anyway, Semmelweis tried to tell them that they had to do this, but the reaction of the doctors was predictably resistant: they believed, for example, Gentlemen could not pass on illnesses.
Obviously, our man Ignaz has been proven to on the right side of science and, as a byproduct, gives his name through this little anecdote to an instinct we’ve all felt at some point in our lives.[2]
References & Studies:-
https://europepmc.org/article/med/31837492
https://whogottheassist.com/psychology-corner-the-semmelweis-reflex/
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