The short answer is yes. The longer answer is, it depends. The extended answer is, how much time have you got?

One thing we know about belief is that it is a wicked problem, beyond complexity and rarely discussed.

So, in order to help you think about belief formation I drew a map of what came to Mind. I’m sure there is much more, but this is enough.

Once you know how complex things are in the formation of beliefs, then you have a better idea about how to influence beliefs. Being naïve and binary about beliefs or thinking beliefs are formed in the brain (https://safetyrisk.net/believing-is-embodied-the-foundation-for-new-beliefs-in-safety/) will simply lead you nowhere.

However, if you think some safety beliefs are unhelpful or dangerous, wouldn’t you want to know about how to best influence them to be changed?

Then again, just think of how much energy and power would be involved to shift any one of these factors captured in the diagram? Just because something is a wicked problem doesn’t mean that it is not worth ‘tackling’.

One thing that is foundational is understanding that there is rarely any shifting of belief without Cognitive Dissonance. Indeed, understanding what Cognitive Dissonance is, is also shaped by belief. Cognitive Dissonance (https://safetyrisk.net/cognitive-dissonance-and-safety-beliefs/) is painful and threatens identity/belonging and is most often resisted. Dissonance is not just about discomfort in ideas. But, if you want to be friends with everyone, then don’t seek to put others in cognitive dissonance.

The reality is, people do change beliefs, people do get converted in and out of belief, it’s just that we still have little idea why.

The psychology of conversion (https://theimtn.org/main/documents/trainingexamples/RD%20The%20Process%20of%20Conversion.pdf) is just as wicked as the psychology of risk.

If you like, you can walk away and put it in the ‘too hard’ basket.

However, the energy, movement in disposition and belief can bring about increased wisdom. And the place to start is the embracing of doubt, questioning beliefs and preparation for unlearning. Particularly, being aware of Indoctrination and Propaganda. Both are archetypes (if you believe in Archetypes) that have an energy and power to themselves.

If you would like to know more about belief and safety beliefs you can join our free workshops to be held on 7, 14, 21 and 28 July 9am Canberra time. You can register here: admin@spor.com.au