Why People Resist Change: What's the Psychology Behind It?

The key reason why people resist change is that the uncertainty it brings threatens their sense of security. In fact, it disrupts familiar patterns that the brain interprets as stable, predictable, and safe. So, resistance to it is a perfectly normal and natural human response, but overcoming it is key to embracing growth and unlocking your full potential.

In this article, we’ll explore resistance to change through and through, including how it affects different Enneagram types and how to cope with it. Let’s begin!

The Psychology Behind Resistance to Change

The psychology behind resistance to change is deeply connected to the survival instinct.

The main reason why people resist change is that it threatens their sense of comfort and safety. It triggers feelings of uncertainty that activate the amygdala, the part of the brain that processes emotions, senses danger, and stimulates the release of stress hormones. In other words, the brain is wired to interpret change as a potential threat, leading to resistance or avoidance.

Several psychological theories have been developed to explain the human mind’s response to change, such as the Kübler-Ross Change Curve. Originally introduced by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in 1969 to describe the stages of grief, this framework details the emotional stages people go through during new situations, from shock to integration. It is currently most commonly applied in workplaces.

Another common framework explaining resistance to change is the cognitive dissonance theory. It proposes that some individuals may stick with the old and familiar to reduce the mental discomfort that comes with it and that conflict with their existing beliefs.

With this in mind, let’s explore the reasons why people resist change in greater depth.

5 Common Reasons Why People Resist Change

There are several common reasons why people resist change, including the fear of the unknown, the loss of control, and emotional overload. Understanding the cause of your resistance can help you get to the root of the issue, enabling you to effectively overcome it.

Here’s a more in-depth look at the most common reasons why people resist change:

#1. Fear of the Unknown

Change is inseparable from uncertainty, which is why the fear of the unknown is among the most common reasons people resist it. Even when we want change, we may still feel reluctant toward it because it triggers anxious thoughts, such as “Is this really the right thing to do?” or “What if this doesn’t work out?”

As a result, many people find it easier to stick with the familiar and stay in their comfort zones rather than take action to alter their lives, even when they know it may benefit them.

#2. Loss of Control

Loss of control is another common reason why people resist change, especially in cases where it is imposed on them.

Control fosters a sense of safety; it’s natural to feel secure when you can predict the outcome of situations or decide what happens next. Imposed or unexpected change, however, strips away our ability to stay in control of our lives, leaving us vulnerable. As such, some people resist it to reestablish a sense of agency, stability, and safety.

#3. Lack of Trust

Psychological resistance to change often stems from a lack of trust, whether in the people who propose it or in ourselves. If someone has let you down, fails to communicate the reasons and benefits of their proposition, or simply seems untrustworthy, it’s only natural to approach the situation with caution.

Moreover, some people resist it due to a lack of self-confidence, competence, or skills, which causes them to doubt their ability to navigate the transition effectively.

#4. Emotional Overload

Overwhelm, be it due to stress, fear, or the need to manage too many things at once, can trigger an emotional resistance to change. Even when it’s positive, being emotionally overloaded can affect your ability to process, adapt to, and cope with it, leaving you feeling drained, anxious, or frustrated.

#5. Change-Resistant Personality Traits

Another reason why some people resist change more than others lies in their psychological makeup.

A study on personality and resistance to change by Forsell and Åström suggests that certain personality traits, namely extraversion and neuroticism, affect how well people respond to it. More specifically, people who score high on neuroticism and low on extraversion are most likely to resist it and cling to old routines.

Now that we’ve explored the key reasons why people resist change, it’s time to see what your Enneagram test results reveal about your attitude toward it.

How Each Enneagram Type Deals With Change

Each Enneagram type deals with change in a different way: some, such as Nines, approach it cautiously, while others, such as Sevens, embrace it with open arms. When it comes to change and personality types, it’s critical to examine the core motivations and fears of each personality, as these play a pivotal role in shaping their attitudes.

On this note, let’s discuss the topic of the Enneagram and change more thoroughly:

Enneagram 1

The Enneagram Type 1 strives to improve the world around them and act correctly, so they encourage changes that align with their moral standards and ensure a good outcome. However, they may show resistance if they see no practical use in changing things up.

That said, new things and situations can also make them uncomfortable, especially if it disrupts the order and routines they’ve worked hard to create and maintain. Still, the reason behind it and its potential impact largely influence their attitude toward it.

Enneagram 2

The Enneagram Type 2 desires to be loved and accepted, which means they may support change to please others, even if they aren’t particularly thrilled about it. When going through new situations, they usually focus more on others than themselves, aiming to make it easier for those around them to cope.

Still, although they show little resistance when it benefits others, Twos may be reluctant if it threatens their sense of belonging, connection, or usefulness.

Enneagram 3

The Enneagram Type 3 is determined to achieve success and recognition, so if there’s anything Threes can change to reach their goals quicker, they’ll go for it without thinking twice. People with this personality type are naturally adaptable and enjoy challenging themselves, so they typically embrace change, especially if it enhances their productivity.

Nonetheless, even dynamic Threes can avoid new circumstances in certain scenarios. More specifically, they may push back if it interferes with their goals or disrupts their progress.

Enneagram 4

The Enneagram Type 4 values individuality above all else. As such, Fours may resist change when others impose it on them or when it doesn’t align with their authentic selves. However, they typically welcome those that feel personally significant to them or allow them to express themselves better.

That said, Fours are prone to melancholy and nostalgia, which can cause them to romanticize the past and the old ways of doing things.

Enneagram 5

The Enneagram Type 5 desires knowledge, understanding, and independence, which is why they usually analyze the situation thoroughly before making changes. If they find that the new circumstances will benefit them in some way upon weighing their pros and cons, they’ll typically handle them fairly easily.

Nonetheless, Fives may resist changes that threaten their self-sufficiency or infringe on their privacy. They may also be reluctant if their implementation requires a lot of energy or social interaction.

Enneagram 6

The Enneagram Type 6 longs for security and predictability, so they often anticipate and prepare for change before it’s time to implement it. Unexpected situations, however, can leave this personality type extremely stressed out; they typically handle them well only if they have time to prepare for them.

Furthermore, Sixes are prone to anxiety, so they often worry whether they’ll be able to adapt to new circumstances. This can make it even harder for them to accept and handle change, which is why they typically prefer when things stay the same.

Enneagram 7

The Enneagram Type 7 thrives on novelty and excitement, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they generally welcome change, even when it’s risky. Spontaneous and open to possibilities, they often shake things up without prior planning just to make their lives less dull and escape routine.

That said, Sevens may resist new things in rare scenarios, such as when these limit their options or restrict their freedom.

Enneagram 8

The Enneagram Type 8 fears losing control of their lives, which is why they may resist change when other people impose it on them. When this happens, they usually express their disagreement openly, standing up for themselves and defending their autonomy.

In most other cases, however, Eights usually embrace it, as they trust their ability to handle it effectively. When needed, they eagerly take charge and lead others through upheaval, facing challenges with confidence and resilience.

Enneagram 9

The Enneagram Type 9 desires peace and harmony. Since they value predictability and familiarity, Nines approach change with caution, especially when it’s unexpected. They rarely, if ever, initiate it themselves, as they’d rather let others make decisions.

However, Nines are surprisingly adaptable. As long as new things don’t disrupt their peace too much, they can adjust to them pretty well. If they’re too overwhelming, though, they may disengage and withdraw to preserve a sense of inner peace and stability.

3 Benefits of Embracing Change

The main benefits of embracing change include increased creativity, personal growth, and emotional resilience. Exploring these rewards alone can help you shift your mindset and attitude toward change, so let’s discuss them in greater depth:

• Creativity. New circumstances often bring new challenges, people, and experiences. As such, embracing change expands your worldview and stimulates creative, innovative thinking by prompting you to think outside the box rather than live on autopilot.
• Personal growth. Change is a prerequisite for personal growth; without it, you’ll stay stagnant. By challenging yourself to embrace it and step outside your comfort zone, you can become more aware of your fears and weaknesses, uncover new strengths, and transform into the best version of yourself.
• Emotional resilience. Embracing new circumstances can help you become more adaptable and improve your self-confidence by showing you can successfully navigate challenges and uncertainty. Consequently, it can strengthen your emotional resilience, which in turn allows you to cope with stressful situations more easily.

How to Overcome Fear of Change

The most effective way to overcome the fear of change is to engage in grounding exercises, cultivate a growth mindset, and build a strong support network.

Let’s explore these strategies in greater detail:

Engage in Grounding Exercises

Grounding exercises are highly effective in overcoming resistance to change, as they help alleviate stress and anxiety.

The fear of new things and situations often causes people to fixate on worst-case scenarios, shifting their attention from the present moment to the future. By engaging in grounding exercises, you can feel more present and focus on things you can actually control.

Some examples of grounding exercises you could try include:

• Deep breathing
• Walking barefoot
• Holding an ice cube
• Mindfulness meditation
• Eating something with an intense flavor

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Simply put, a growth mindset refers to the belief that your abilities and skills aren’t fixed but can be improved over time, enabling you to handle challenges and setbacks more effectively. This mindset cultivates self-empowerment, allowing you to overcome the fear of change and reframe it as an opportunity for expansion.

Developing a growth mindset is especially important to those people who resist change because they feel incapable of handling it or fear failure. Here are some ways in which you can shift from a fixed mindset to one that embraces personal growth:

• Reflect on past times when you’ve successfully adapted to new situations to remind yourself that you can succeed despite fear.
• Break down the steps you need to take to navigate change confidently into smaller tasks to make the process less complicated and gain clarity and direction.
• Celebrate effort and small wins instead of focusing on the overall outcome by noticing the courage, persistence, and other traits you develop or improve during the transition.

Build a Support Network

Going through life transitions, no matter how major, is always easier when you have someone to lean on or confide in. After all, connection fosters a sense of belonging, helping us feel more grounded and supported.

So, don’t hesitate to let your loved ones know you’re going through changes and how this affects you. You can also join online groups or local meetups to connect with others navigating similar transitions.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve discussed why people resist change and how to overcome this fear, we hope you’ll find it easier to navigate life transitions.

Before you leave, let’s summarize what we’ve covered today:

• The most common causes of resistance to change include the fear of the unknown, loss of control, and change-resistant personality traits.
• Enneagram Types 3, 7, and 8 are most likely to embrace it, whereas Types 6 and 9 usually approach it cautiously.
• Practicing grounding, developing a growth mindset, and building a support network are the most effective ways to overcome the fear of change.

Why People Resist Change FAQ

#1. Can personality affect how much I resist change?

Yes, personality can affect how much you resist change. For example, adapting to it is typically much easier for people with spontaneous, easygoing personalities than for those who are rigid or highly neurotic.

#2. How can I make change feel less overwhelming?

You can make change less overwhelming by breaking it into smaller steps and focusing on things you can control, including your emotional well-being. Reaching out to friends for support can also help you handle life transitions more easily.

#3. How to deal with people who resist change?

The best way to deal with people who resist change is to validate their feelings while clearly communicating the benefits it may bring. There are many reasons why people resist it, but patience and empathy are paramount to building trust and helping someone handle it more smoothly.