The group of researchers conducted a study, the results of which testify to the fact that the tendency towards self-control and constant pressure in persistence can destroy parts of the brain that are responsible for decision-making, control over emotions, and feelings. This is especially evident if a person is subjected to stress at work over a prolonged period.
In the framework of the study, participants initially started to engage in self-control, and then began to take part in a game that checked their readiness to collaborate or exhibit aggressive behavior. The results showed that those who were called to control themselves more often exhibited aggression than those who were not given such a task.
The study also revealed that those who accepted to participate in self-control showed increased cortical activation in the areas responsible for decision-making and controlling motivation. These data indicate that after psychological stress, a person may experience difficulties controlling their behavior.
Erika Ordale, the main author of the study from IMT School for Advanced Studies in Lucca, Italy, emphasized: "If you feel exhausted after work and want to discuss something important with a loved one, it’s better to postpone the conversation for another day." The conclusions of the study highlight the importance of rest after mental stress before transitioning to new tasks.