A recent study asked people to imagine or make shopping choices. It found that buying items to share causes more anxiety than buying for yourself or buying a gift for someone else. The researchers surveyed more than 2,000 participants.
They tested three kinds of decisions: choosing only for yourself, choosing for another person, and choosing for shared use. Examples included drinks for meetings, snacks for movies, wine for a promotion party, and activities while traveling.
When choosers did not know others' preferences, anxiety grew. Helpful steps include asking about preferences, choosing popular options, or offering several items so others can pick.
Difficult words
- anxiety — a strong worried feeling or nervousness
- participant — a person who takes part in a studyparticipants
- preference — a choice someone likes more than otherspreferences
- survey — a study that asks many people questionssurveyed
- chooser — a person who makes a decision or choicechoosers
- share — to give or use something with othersshared
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever chosen something for a group? How did you feel?
- Which of the suggested steps would you try when choosing for others?
- Do you prefer choosing for yourself or choosing for shared use? Why?
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