The Rock & Roll Shrink Ep 13 - The Psychology of Unsolicited Advice-Giving

We have already done a show specifically focused on armchair psychology (which was Episode 7 on 10-19-16), but tonight’s show is looking at the broader phenomenon of why we compulsively butt into the affairs of others, especially when we were not asked for input. Many advice-givers have the best of intentions, but it can be frustrating for the recipient if the advice is not sought but they were not given the option not to hear it.

There are parts of our culture that normalize this kind of behavior. there are just some people in our lives who are incapable of watching others make different choices than they think is appropriate, and it isn’t about whether or not this is true, as much as it is about the boundary transgression of not giving that person a say in whether they hear it or not.

We will talk about what advice actually is, psychologically; how to sense the social boundaries of when to give it or not, and the psychology behind both our compulsion to give it, and our often negative reactions to it.

Tonight, Wednesday Jan 25th, at 11:00 pm EST, we want to talk about these issues, and help our listeners understand the psychology of this phenomenon. Please call us at (914) 338-0314 to speak live with the hosts, or join us in the live online chat room to listen to our show and chat with us.