The illusion of courage: Why people mispredict their behavior in embarrassing situations

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 - 16:31 in Psychology & Sociology

Whether it's investing in stocks, bungee jumping or public speaking, why do we often plan to take risks but then "chicken out" when the moment of truth arrives? Scientists argue that this "illusion of courage" is one example of an "empathy gap" -- that is, our inability to imagine how we will behave in future emotional situations.

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