- When humans are facing external pressure or stress they tend to shrink inward and isolate themselves This phenomenon often referred to as "minimal self theory" is also one of the reasons those who are depressed prefer to be isolated and further struggle to seek help and support. - This theory is also one that is leveraged by economists and politicians. When inflation is high, governments increase interest rates putting pressure on consumers. The consumers in turn buy less which reduces the demand and brings the cost of goods down. --- It is a strange phenomenon of human psychology that we shrink inward when the outward world becomes unbearable. We bunker down, baton the hatches, and cocoon ourselves in a torpor. It’s sometimes called “the minimal self” theory, where, when all else fails, we revert back to a more basic mode of existence. - [Link](https://bigthink.com/business/use-the-minimal-self-theory-to-flip-workplace-stress-on-its-head/) This inflation-beating tactic only works because people will isolate themselves in hard economic times. They will cut “unnecessary” expenditures to focus on the household and essentials. In an economic “hierarchy of needs,” people will redirect their money to food, heating, and their immediate family. - [Link](https://bigthink.com/business/use-the-minimal-self-theory-to-flip-workplace-stress-on-its-head/)