why are human beings so afraid of change?

Question

is it genetic? an evolutionary survival trait? is it culture based? I'm not saying everyone is afraid of all change, but as a general rule I think it's typical for most people to resist major changes to their lives, whether good or bad, at least at first. why is this?

Answer 1

Change requires extra energy expenditure.Genetics dictate that - like all species - humans like to have their energy (physical and mental) expenditure and recuperatve periods balanced. If an environment requires too much energy we get exhausted, to little and - ironically - we become exhausted and lethargic. When we are in an environment for a while, much of what we do becomes learned and needs no conscious effort. Change the environment and we need to consciously process far more information and select from a larger range of options. This is fine when the previous enviroment didn't provide enough stimulation or challange, but if the new environment is distracting, confusing or needs too high a degree of vigilance, we get stressed.

One of the biggest factors in whether change is resisted or not is whether we initiate the change or whether is is thrust on us. This is, again, genetic, because the more control we have over our environment the more we are likely to be able to predict events, survive and thrive. So if the change arises from us seeking to improve our environment (moving house to a better place, for example, or making our job more interesting) we are far less stressed than if we must move house because a new road is being put in or our job changes because of restructuring. This is why workplace change is generally resisted by employees - even if it is an improvement in the longer term, the first reaction is - quite naturally - to reject it since it is percieved as reducing our control. Managers who initiate it (they have conrtol) always seem surprised by this.

Answer 2

Humans are afraid of change because a lot of them are comfortable with their zone,that even the thought of change will lead them to question whether it could interfere with their system in a bad way.

Answer 3

Many people have a linear perspective of their lives.Beginning and ending.We understand "death"of the body and mind to be final through our five senses which determine our experience in the physical world.We try to control what we know by our personal limited awareness.A safety measure.Change is a continual process of transformation extending beyond the limits of our own understanding.It is found in tests that our anxiety levels increase with inablility to comprehend what we find outside our normal range of perception. Creating a sense of loss of control.A self perpetuating feedback loop of limitation and reduction in sensory recognition.Hence panic of loss of self and disconnection with others and our environment.

Answer 4

If there is such a state of normalcy than anything going against the norm whether for good or bad will create fear and resistance.

Answer 5

I honestly believe it's an evolutionary survival trait.
We can't trust the unknown.
We're afraid of somehow losing what we've worked for.

...that's my thought

Answer 6

Survival is based on predictablity. When that predictablity is destabilized, so might our survival. Survival is such a primal and strong need, that everything we do can be traced to it.

Answer 7

I think folks are leary of change because it's the unknown and folks tend to fear the unknown.

I've lived in 17 different places and just left my 30th job. I have no fear (which actually, is kinda scary...)

Answer 8

First off- animals don't react well to change, either.
But it has to do with the feeling of security and the fear of the unknown.

Answer 9

its about being out of your comfort zone and not knowing whats a head. we are creatures of habbit and a routine and for some of us a tiny alteration to that routine can make us anixous and worry,

Answer 10

We are a creature of habit, and do not like to get out of our comfort zone.