The above is the audio of this article, if necessary, you can click to listen
Do you often feel anxious? Studies have shown that this may be a manifestation of higher intelligence.
It's normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially when faced with new or challenging situations: before a big presentation, when entering a new social situation or starting a new job.
Recent studies have shown that there may be a psychological link between your mood and your intelligence quotient (IQ); researchers have also found that your intelligence may affect how or how often you experience anxiety.
Why? Let's look down.
Anxiety and Intelligence: What's the Connection?
Several studies in recent years have explored the link between anxiety and intelligence. In a 2018 study, researchers found that people with higher IQs were more likely to be diagnosed with the following mental illnesses: mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism disorder.
In the study, more than 3,000 members of a group made up of members who scored the most on standardized IQ tests were surveyed. They were asked to share whether they had experienced symptoms of a particular mental and physical illness or condition, and whether they had received any formal diagnoses.
The researchers found that members of the group reported experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety. Of those, 20 percent reported an anxiety disorder diagnosis, and another 26 percent said they had been diagnosed with other mood disorders, such as depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder.
These results also support the "super-brain-superbody" theory, which explores the relationship between intelligence and physiological and psychological responses—especially those associated with stress.
A 2011 study found that people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) were more likely to be worried and anxious, and had higher IQs. The researchers evaluated 44 participants using a range of questionnaires and imaging techniques, of which 26 were diagnosed with GAD and the remaining 18 were not diagnosed.
People with GAD scored higher on anxiety and IQ levels, and those without anxiety disorder scored lower. These findings support a direct link between intelligence and anxiety.
Emotional intelligence may also play a role in anxiety and other mood disorders. A 2021 study suggests that different levels of emotional intelligence may be associated with emotional distress, including symptoms of anxiety, depression and worry.
Anxiety and verbal intelligence
Verbal intelligence, in particular, may be associated with feelings of worry, fear, or anxiety.
This type of intelligence is what you might think of as academic intelligence or "book intelligence." People with linguistic intelligence use language-based reasoning, such as speaking, reading, or writing, when considering information or trying to solve a problem.
A 2015 study found a direct link between anxiety and academic performance. In the study, 126 college students were asked to report concerns or anxieties about exams and other school jobs. The study also found that students who reported higher levels of anxiety were also those who scored higher on tests.
Because the evidence gathered in this study is self-reporting, more research in this area is needed to fully understand how or why verbal intelligence may be associated with stress and anxiety.
High IQ is the cause of anxiety
Anxiety and intelligence are so closely linked, there may be several reasons.
Those who are perceived to have higher intelligence are generally more logically approached to the subject. While logic can be an asset in many cases, it can sometimes become an obstacle and lead to feelings of stress or anxiety.
Many situations are fluid and cannot be managed by logic alone. This can cause difficulties for those with more empirical thinking, as they may not know how to deal with these situations that may involve emotion rather than reason.
People with higher intelligence may also be more anxious for the following reasons:
Increased self-awareness may lead them to put more pressure on themselves in order to perform well or to become higher achievers.
Strong powers of observation may make them more aware of their surroundings and more sensitive, including small things or perceived threats.
A high level of empathy allows them to understand and feel the feelings of those around them, including the anxiety or stress of others.
Fluctuating thoughts can sometimes lead to overthinking and make them feel worried and overwhelmed.
Fear of people who aren't seen as smart or good causes them to push themselves harder so that others think they're smart and good.
What if your intelligence causes anxiety?
There are many ways to help you relieve stress or overcome anxiety, and you can try:
1. Turn your thoughts into action. When anxiety spreads, it's easy to keep yourself in the "head." Considering action to address your pain can help turn those negative thoughts into proactive solutions.
2. Focus on the present. Smart minds are usually 10 steps ahead, which triggers anxiety. By slowing down and allowing yourself to live in the moment, you can alleviate your anxiety or worry. Practicing meditation or mindfulness is a great way to root yourself in the present moment.
3. Physical relaxation exercises. Anxiety is present in the body and mind, and participating in activities that relax the body can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Yoga, deep breathing exercises, or other strategies that help relax the body can help eliminate anxiety.
4. Use positive affirmations. Repeating positive affirmations or making specific phrases for yourself can help you readjust your mindset and overcome feelings of stress, fear, worry, or anxiety.
5. Turn to someone else. When we're plagued by anxiety, it can be hard to rely on others, but turning to trusted relatives and friends can help you overcome your worries and fears.
6. Seek professional support and help. Sometimes, we can't alleviate anxiety on our own, so we need to seek support and help from professionals, and we must not "build a car behind closed doors". Professionals can help us diagnose the symptoms and causes of anxiety and help you develop a treatment plan that works for you when needed.
In summary, studies have found that people with higher intelligence may be more likely to develop worry, anxiety, and other emotional disorders for a number of reasons.
Professor Rong Xinqi, an expert in new concept psychology, believes that people with higher IQs usually have higher consciousness, deeper empathy or fear of failure... All of this can lead to more stress and anxiety.
But anxiety doesn't always represent problems and troubles, and it can also bring us many benefits — the same heightened awareness can help prevent dangerous situations, more empathy can help build deeper connections with others, and the fear of failure can help spark our motivation and potential.
If anxiety starts to affect your daily life, there are several ways to seek help or cope with symptoms: connect with friends and family, practice meditation and mindfulness, do physical relaxation exercises, and also seek the support and help of a professional... These can all help you overcome stress and anxiety.
| personality color test can pay attention to the reply of this public account: personality color test.
| depression self-test can pay attention to the reply of this public account: depression self-test for testing.
| anxiety disorder self-test can pay attention to the reply of this public account: anxiety disorder self-test for testing.
| bipolar disorder self-test can pay attention to the public number reply: bipolar self-test for testing.
END
Text: Consultant Hong