The paradox of choice : why more is less Cover Image

The paradox of choice : why more is less / Barry Schwartz.

Schwartz, Barry, 1946- (Author).

Summary:

Whether buying a pair of jeans or applying to college, everyday decisions, big and small, have become increasingly complex due to the abundance of choice with which we are presented. As Americans, we assume that more choice means better options and greater satisfaction--but choice overload can make you question your decisions before you even make them, it can set you up for unrealistically high expectations, and it can make you blame yourself for failures. This can lead to decision-making paralysis, anxiety, and stress. In this book, social scientist Schwartz explains at what point choice--the hallmark of individual freedom that we so cherish--becomes detrimental to our psychological and emotional well-being. He offers practical steps on how to limit choices to a manageable number, focus on those that are important and ignore the rest, and derive greater satisfaction from the choices you have to make.--From publisher description.

Record details

ISBN: 0060005688
ISBN: 9780060005689
ISBN: 0060005696
ISBN: 9780060005696
ISBN: 9780965804820
ISBN: 0965804828
ISBN: 9780062449924
ISBN: 0062449923
Physical Description: xi, 265 pages, 15 pages : illustrations ; 21 cm
Publisher: New York : Ecco, [2004].

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 237-256) and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Prologue : The paradox of choice : a road map -- pt. 1. When we choose -- ch. 1. Let's go shopping -- ch. 2. New choices -- pt. 2. How we choose -- ch. 3. Deciding and choosing -- ch. 4. When only the best will do -- pt. 3. Why we suffer -- ch. 5. Choice and happiness -- ch 6. Missed opportunities -- ch. 7. "If only" : the problem of regret -- ch. 8. Why decisions disappoint : the problem of adaptation -- ch. 9. Why everything suffers from comparison -- ch. 10. Whose fault is it? : choice, disappointment, and depression -- pt. 4. What we can do -- ch. 11. What to do about choice -- Notes -- Index.