In this engaging discussion, Dr. Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist and bestselling author known for her research on power posing, dives into the concept of 'Pandemic Flux Syndrome.' She highlights how this constant state of uncertainty impacts our mental health and leadership. Cuddy emphasizes the importance of developing a flux mindset for personal agency. The conversation also touches on societal shifts during the pandemic, including career reevaluations and the emotional complexities of reconnecting with others after isolation.
The ongoing pandemic has led to an increase in anxiety due to unpredictable circumstances, making predictability and agency crucial for individuals and leaders.
Amy Cuddy introduces the concept of 'pandemic flux syndrome', highlighting psychological mechanisms that intensify confusion and anxiety during crises.
Navigating the emotional complexities surrounding guilt and shame as society reopens is essential for fostering resilience and adaptability post-crisis.
Deep dives
Return to Conversations
After a break for writing, the speaker expresses excitement about returning to discussions on important topics, highlighting the importance of predictability and certainty in today's world. The conversation addresses the unique anxieties caused by the continuing pandemic, emphasizing a collective longing for stability amidst ongoing volatility. The episode introduces Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, best-selling author, and expert on behavioral science, who shares insights into the specific anxieties that are emerging during this stage of the pandemic. The need to validate these feelings and understand the underlying causes of anxiety is emphasized, with a focus on shared experiences and common struggles.
Understanding Pandemic Anxiety
The podcast dives into the concept of 'pandemic flux syndrome', a term coined to describe the constant state of flux experienced during the pandemic. It highlights three phases of crises: the emergency phase, regression phase, and rebuilding phase, emphasizing how individuals and communities are affected differently through these transitions. Listeners are educated on the psychological mechanisms that contribute to feelings of anxiety and confusion, especially as people misforecast their emotional responses to significant life events post-crisis. The emergence of the Delta variant and heightened uncertainty are cited as key factors in exacerbating these feelings of anxiety.
The Effects of Surge Capacity
Surge capacity is described as a network of psychological and physiological systems that aid individuals in navigating acute crises, explaining how this capacity can become depleted over extended periods of stress. The discussion explains how initially people experienced increased productivity during the pandemic's early stages due to surge capacity, but as time wore on, many found themselves experiencing fatigue and withdrawal. The host connects this narrative to crises such as combat situations, where initial teamwork and shared goals can falter over time, paralleling what has transpired during the pandemic. Acknowledging this regression allows individuals to recognize their experiences as normal responses to an extraordinary situation.
Navigating Guilt and Shame
The episode addresses the complex emotions surrounding feelings of guilt and shame that many are grappling with as society begins to re-open. Individuals may struggle with the discomfort of realizing personal routines developed during quarantine have benefited them, yet feel guilty as others continue to suffer. Discussions about getting back together after a long separation often lead to mixed emotions, where social interactions do not always meet expectations. This reflects a broader societal challenge where people feel they must navigate their own internal conflicts while also acknowledging the real pain and suffering experienced by others.
Embracing Flux and Resilience
Listeners are encouraged to accept that experiencing anxiety and uncertainty is a normal part of the shared human experience, particularly following a global crisis. The conversation stresses the importance of resilience and adaptability, with the notion that individuals will likely return to a baseline of well-being despite ongoing challenges. Critical to this recovery is regaining a sense of agency and personal power through informed decision-making by both individuals and organizations. The idea of fostering a 'flux mindset' is introduced, underlining the necessity for people to embrace unpredictability rather than resist it, promoting a proactive approach to navigating the future.
I’m talking to Dr. Amy Cuddy, social psychologist, bestselling author, award-winning Harvard lecturer, and expert on the behavioral science of power, presence, and prejudice. We discuss her recently published Washington Post article, “Why This Stage of the Pandemic Makes Us So Anxious,” and how working through this collective, constant pandemic flux affects us as individuals and as leaders. We also talk about developing a flux mindset and how important it is to facilitate a sense of agency as we make decisions about how we return to work.