People overlook subtractive solutions to mental health problems

Tom J Barry; Nadia Adelina

doi:10.1038/s44271-025-00312-8

People overlook subtractive solutions to mental health problems

Tom J Barry
, Nadia Adelina

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

To solve problems, people tend to add new components to them rather than subtract from them. Across eight experimental and naturalistic studies, we examined if more additive (to start something new or do more) than subtractive advice (to stop or do less) is given when humans and artificial intelligence give mental health advice. Compared to subtractive advice, additive advice was recommended more frequently and was rated as more effective and feasible. Several moderators of this effect are explored: Older people are more additive than younger people, who we are advising (e.g., strangers/friends) matters, as does the type of pre-existing mental health-affecting activities (e.g., gambling versus avoiding exercise). People overlook subtractive advice when advising others and instead tell them to do more. Future research must explore the contribution of this additive advice bias to people's sense of being overwhelmed.

Original language	English
Article number	128
Journal	Communications Psychology
Volume	3
Issue number	1
Early online date	20 Aug 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-025-00312-8
Publication status	Published - 20 Aug 2025

Data Availability Statement

All data are available here https://osf.io/edh8q/.

Acknowledgements

The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript. This work was supported through the volunteer work of students from the University of Bath and University of Hong Kong: Jhalak Sheth, Paige Stephens, Mattias Weedman, Isabel Castelow, Mia Beastall, Roxsanne Patel and Mia Hazeltine.

Funding

This research was supported by the Research Promotion Fund of the Department of Psychology, University of Bath.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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10.1038/s44271-025-00312-8Licence: CC BY

Cite this

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People overlook subtractive solutions to mental health problems

Abstract

Data Availability Statement

Acknowledgements

Funding

UN SDGs

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