The research on scarcity and abundance mindsets provide us with more knowledge about the difference between mindsets and also encourage us to make positive changes.
Here are 5 things you need to know about them.
Mindsets and Intelligence
One of the most interesting findings comes from research done at Harvard University. The results revealed that the difference between having a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset can be as much as 10 to 14 IQ points.
In perspective, that is enough of a drop to bring you down from average IQ to borderline deficient. We can conclude from that research that having an abundance mindset will make you brighter.
It enables you to be better at making decisions and find solutions to problems in a quicker and more efficient way.
Mindsets and Opportunities
Another noteworthy research what conducted by cognitive psychologists, Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris. In their study, they demonstrated that when our mind is set on a specific thing, we tend not to see the other opportunities that surround us.
It’s like wearing blinders that completely obstruct your perception. Applied to scarcity and abundance, you can say that if you focus too much on what you don’t have, you could be missing the abundance around you.
Mindsets and Decision Making
In a recent study published in the Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, demonstrated that our brain is negatively affected by a scarcity mindset when it comes to make purchase decisions.
We are less likely to price items correctly and therefore purchase an item that could have a higher price than normal. In another publication the results showed that people who have a scarcity mindset are more likely to make instant gratifying purchase as opposed to “think about it” prior to buying the item.
Mindsets and Learning
Research, led by a professor at the University of Maryland, indicated that a scarcity mindset will limit them in their ability and openness to learn and undermine their capacity to change.
It also impacts negatively their motivation to learn.
Mindsets and Health
A study featured in the European Health Psychologist showed that the participants that had a scarcity mindset made poor decisions in regard to the food they eat (eating unhealthy food and over indulging).
This poor choice of nutrition is likely leading individuals with a scarcity mindset down the path of obesity, chronic disease and illness.
