Name: Sometimes it's good to give up the driver's seat
Uploaded: 2012-07-18T14:59:35Z
Duration: 9 min 30 s
Description: Over the years, research has shown a counterintuitive fact about human nature: Sometimes, having too much choice makes us less happy. This may even be true when it comes to medical treatment. Baba Shiv shares a fascinating study that measures why choice opens the door to doubt, and suggests that ceding control -- especially on life-or-death decisions -- may be the best thing for us.

Over the years, research has shown a counterintuitive fact about human nature: Sometimes, having too much choice makes us less happy. This may even be true when it comes to medical treatment. Baba Shiv shares a fascinating study that measures why choice opens the door to doubt, and suggests that ceding control -- especially on life-or-death decisions -- may be the best thing for us.

Baba Shiv: Sometimes it's good to give up the driver's seat

Sometimes it's good to give up the driver's seat

Choosing between aggressive or less aggressive medical treatments can thrust patients into an agonizing decision-making process.

Study reveals passengers, those ceding control, solve more puzzles than drivers, suggesting less control can yield better outcomes.

Facing immediate, negative, and concrete feedback, individuals benefit from relinquishing control, fostering better decision outcomes.