Dr David McGrath

Dr David McGrath

Dr David McGrath

Spine Physician

MB BS (Hons) FAFOM, RACP, FAFMM
Master of Pain Medicine


We all do it. But does it work? Who has not, hit their head against the proverbial brick wall looking for an answer to their discomfort. Unfortunately, our structures are complex, and when they fail,simple answers are not always available.
As a substitue answer,we are tempted to continue a course of action which is clearly failing,in the hope our perception is wrong. Statements such as:
1.Go through the pain barrier
2.No gain without pain
3.Stretch out tight muscles
4.Keep going,you are getting closer
These are statements of hope. They are also exhortations to confront a physiological barrier. Where does this attitude come from ? The emotion we are talking about is Determination. As with the other emotions, there is an historical advantage in some situations.

BehaviourOutcome Successful Outcome Unsuccessful Outcome
Determined Behaviour a b
Resigned Behaviour c d

Which circumstances, create a better outcome by continuing to stay engaged with a negative disturbance? If something is hot, we remove our hand. If we are cold, we seek warmth.
We saw, with The Power of Curiosity that curiosity develops in a changing, new or novel environment. Possibly, determination is a default form of curiosity, where there is a failure to generate new behaviour. The need remains, but the behaviour cycles, rather than change through adaptive recursion. Determination may be nothing more than failed curiosity. Having said that, there may still be a slight advantage over resignation.


BehaviourOutcome Successful Outcome Unsuccessful Outcome
Determined Behaviour 1 99
Resigned Behaviour 0 100

A 1% success is better than 0% success, in certain circumstances. If a lion has you cornered, it might still be better to look aggressive, in the chance that the lion may be distracted momentarily,enabling an escape.
When creative curiosity fails us or there is no valid social knowledge, determination might be the next best thing.

©Copyright 2007 Dr David McGrath. All rights reserved