What Are Some Examples of Psychological Barriers?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 25, 2020

Psychological barriers are internal beliefs that cause a person to feel he cannot complete a task. For example, someone trying to find a job may feel unqualified to do a particular job, or someone engaged in an unhealthy habit like smoking may deny he has a problem.

Psychological barriers generally involve incorrect or unhealthy thought patterns. These can include denial, a perceived lack of social support, a lack of knowledge or a dysfunctional attitude towards the situation. Overcoming psychological barriers involves a realistic, informed perspective of the situation and persistent attempts to break down the barrier through thoughts and actions.