Study finds ‘additive bias’ may worsen mental health and overwhelm
7 reported
A growing body of psychology research suggests that when faced with problems, people tend to add tasks or purchases rather than remove existing ones, a tendency called "additive bias." A collection of 2025 studies published in Communications Psychology examined additive versus subtractive treatments for mental health struggles and found participants consistently recommended additive solutions like meditating and exercising over subtractive ones such as quitting smoking or limiting alcohol. Participants rated additive solutions as more "feasible and effective" even when subtractive fixes were measurably easier and more efficient. The researchers found that people tend to get more additive as they age, and that even ChatGPT advice is biased toward additive solutions. One lead author, Dr Tom Barry from the University of Bath, said that while people recognize the value in removing harmful elements, their instincts push them toward doing more. The studies' authors concluded that this bias can create a social context where people advise one another to "always do more," potentially leaving individuals more overwhelmed. Therapist Linda Sanderville, interviewed for the book The Age of Magical Overthinking, recommended periodic media-free time to allow the brain to process information and foster creativity.
What’s reported
A 2025 collection of studies in Communications Psychology found participants recommended additive mental health solutions (meditating, exercising) more than subtractive ones (quitting smoking, limiting alcohol).
Participants rated additive solutions as more "feasible and effective" even when subtractive fixes were easier and more efficient.
People tend to get more additive as they age, according to the research.
ChatGPT advice is biased toward additive solutions, recommending them quickly and confidently even when not best for the user.
Participants were more likely to accept additive mental health advice for themselves and recommend it to strangers; only close friends received subtractive advice.
Dr Tom Barry from the University of Bath said people's instincts guide them toward doing more, which can make mental health feel like "an endless list of chores."
Therapist Linda Sanderville recommended periodic media-free time to give the brain space to process and create.
Key figures
Dr Tom Barry, lead author, department of psychology, University of Bath
Linda Sanderville, therapist
Diana Kwon, author of a report for Scientific American cited in the article
Sources: The Guardian
