Predictability need
Our need for predictability is the neuropsychological driver that assists us in using our perception and cognition of patterns and consequences to assist us in navigating our lives in many different ways. Our brains are wired to notice, find, and create patterns and sequences that help us to know what to expect and be ready for it, whether that is about understanding the patterns and cycles of food and resources in order to sustainably find and grow them, or whether it is in relation to human behaviour so that we can organise our community and relate to other people in a way that works.
The word predictability is defined as “consistent repetition of a state, course of action, behaviour, or the like, making it possible to know in advance what to expect”.
Our predictability need includes the need to:
- Seek repetition and familiarity
- Notice or create patterns, sequences and rituals
- Experience repetition
- Create a regular rhythm and pace in life
- Know what is expected of us in a situation.
The need to know what to expect
People need a sense of knowing what is happening next. This helps us to minimise and regulate emotions such as fear and surprise. It is a myth that we need routine in our lives, because routine is a time-based, rigid structure that overrides our autonomy, does not allow for enough novelty, and can prevent us from being flexible enough to regulate our emotions. Having a rhythm in your life is a good way to build predictability. Rhythm is less about routine and more like, “usually this happens, then this, then this”, or “when I go here, I can expect this”.
People’s actions to meet this need might be:
- example 1
- example 2
- example 3
Some modern examples of this need not being met or being threatened are:
- example 1
- example 2
- example 3
The need for familiarity and repetition
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People’s actions to meet this need might be:
- example 1
- example 2
- example 3
Some modern examples of this need not being met or being threatened are:
- example 1
- example 2
- example 3
The need for ritual and pattern
Building rituals into life can also be useful to increase the predictability and rhythm.
People’s actions to meet this need might be:
- example 1
- example 2
- example 3
Some modern examples of this need not being met or being threatened are:
- example 1
- example 2
- example 3
The need for regularity (rhythm and pace)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
People’s actions to meet this need might be:
- example 1
- example 2
- example 3
Some modern examples of this need not being met or being threatened are:
- example 1
- example 2
- example 3
Predictability associated words
- Routine
- Rhythm
- Consistency
- Pattern
- Plan
- Regularity
- Transition
- Expectation
- Anticipation
- Ritual
- Change
- Categorise
- Organisation
- Order
- Stability
- Structure
- Repetition
- Practice
- Narrative
- Simplicity
- Clarity
- Flow
- Sequence
- Familiarity
- Dependable
- Ready
- Prepared
- Timely
Words related to predictability dysregulation
- Sudden
- Surprise
- Shock
- Unexpected
- Change
- Interruption
- Rush
- Unpredictable
- Not ready
- Too fast
- Unprecedented
- Unprepared
