Robert N. McCauley, Ph.D. wrote an article in the May 20, 2023 issue of Psychology Today titled “The Psychological Potency of Riualized Behaviors.” He suggests that when stressed or anxious, people are inclined to perform ritualized behaviors such as continuing to push elevator buttons. Let’s face it, those of us who are on dialysis can often be stressed and/or anxious over the process and perturbations attendant to it.
With this thought in mind, I turned on my AI assistant which produced the following (with my help and that of Grammarly of course.) I am “guilty” of much of the ritualized behavior therein cited. I try to set up the Cycler at about the same time every day. I have a particular sequence of setting it up. My shower routine is ritualized, as is my make-ready for bed and activity upon waking – all related to Dialysis.
Introduction
The experience of diminished control over one’s life events can often trigger feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Humans have a predisposition to establish and maintain control over their environment and circumstances. When faced with situations that challenge this control, individuals often resort to ritualized behaviors. These behaviors, which are characterized as non-instrumental and causally opaque, serve as coping mechanisms and provide a sense of control over unpredictable or uncontrollable circumstances (Boyer, Liénard, 2006). Within the context of health and illness, this phenomenon becomes increasingly relevant. This post will explore how these behaviors manifest in people undergoing peritoneal dialysis, a treatment for advanced kidney disease.
The Challenge of Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is a type of treatment that uses the body’s own peritoneum as a natural filter to remove waste products from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function effectively. The patient typically performs this treatment at home, making it a constant reminder of their medical condition. This persistent awareness can lead to feelings of anxiety and diminished control, due to the dependence on a medical procedure for survival and the potential complications associated with it (Morton, Tong, Howard, Snelling, Webster, 2010).
Ritualized Behaviors in Peritoneal Dialysis
Given the invasive nature and necessary regularity of peritoneal dialysis, it’s not surprising to observe ritualized behaviors in patients undergoing this treatment. These behaviors may take the form of meticulous preparation of the dialysis materials, strict adherence to the dialysis schedule, or even creating a dedicated space within the home for the procedure. While these behaviors may not have a direct impact on the effectiveness of the dialysis, they provide patients with a sense of control over an aspect of their life that may otherwise seem beyond their grasp. By transforming the treatment into a routine, patients are able to reduce the uncertainty and unpredictability associated with their medical condition (Lang, France, Williams, Humphris, Wells, 2016).
The Psychological Impact and Importance of Control
Ritualized behavior and the perception of control are important psychological factors in managing the stress and anxiety associated with long-term medical treatments. Patients who report a higher sense of control over their treatment tend to have better psychological outcomes, including lower levels of anxiety and depression (Peterson, Moon, 1999). It’s important for healthcare providers to recognize and understand these behaviors, as they can provide valuable insights into the patient’s mental and emotional state. By acknowledging and supporting these behaviors, healthcare providers can aid in improving patients’ psychological well-being and overall quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the experience of diminished control in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis can often lead to the emergence of ritualized behaviors. These behaviors, while not directly affecting the medical outcomes of the dialysis, provide the patients with a much-needed sense of control over their situation, thus aiding in managing the psychological distress associated with their condition.
Wondering if these behaviors, though on a much smaller scale, can be as effective when patients are going through other intensive medical situations?
I’m certain the concept can be generalized to most situations, medical and otherwise.