What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explain why individuals stay in harmful situations despite their negative impact.

February 22, 2026Open Access

The Cost of Leaving

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

This piece explores how harmful situations can feel safer than leaving, suggesting a shift in perspective on choice and survival.

The aim is to explain why individuals stay in harmful situations despite their negative impact.
Conceptual analysis of emotional and cognitive aspects of decision-making
Examination of the roles of predictability and identity in staying versus leaving
Discussion of structural logic behind the choice to remain in harmful environments
Staying in harmful situations often feels like the only sensible choice from within those situations.
Leaving requires emotional and cognitive resources that may be depleted by the current circumstances.
An understanding of this dynamic can lead to more compassionate perspectives on those who stay.

Bailey et al. (2026) studied this question.

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

February 22, 2026Open Access

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

This piece explores how harmful situations can feel safer than leaving, suggesting a shift in perspective on choice and survival.

The aim is to explain why individuals stay in harmful situations despite their negative impact.
Conceptual analysis of emotional and cognitive aspects of decision-making
Examination of the roles of predictability and identity in staying versus leaving
Discussion of structural logic behind the choice to remain in harmful environments
Staying in harmful situations often feels like the only sensible choice from within those situations.
Leaving requires emotional and cognitive resources that may be depleted by the current circumstances.
An understanding of this dynamic can lead to more compassionate perspectives on those who stay.

Bailey et al. (2026) studied this question.

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark