As a psychologist who has worked with teens, adults, and families for over 30 years, I’ve seen how powerfully our emotions shape our choices, often without our realizing it. A recent study from the University of Minnesota Medical School confirms something I’ve witnessed in session after session: that anxiety and apathy—two very different emotional states—can quietly but deeply influence how we respond to challenges and uncertainty.

The study showed that anxious people often view the world as unpredictable. They respond to setbacks by trying harder, changing strategies, or overcorrecting—even when unnecessary. On the other hand, people experiencing apathy tend to see the world as random and uncontrollable. They’re less likely to try new approaches or make changes because, in their minds, nothing will help anyway.

Take one of my teenage clients, a high-achieving high school junior. She panicked after getting a B on a quiz—something most would see as a perfectly acceptable........

© Psychology Today