Six hundred medical patients were asked the question: Which is the worse colonoscopy?
"Patient A has the usual painful procedure that lasts thirty-five minutes. Patient B has the identical procedure, except that five more minutes are added to the end, which are not very painful because the colonoscopy is very slowly removed during the extra period."
[Personal note: So how the heck do they "usually" remove it? "Don't worry Mr. Carter, just like starting a lawnmower."]
The data actually showed that patients A were happier overall, because of the way we remember things.
"Folks tend to remember and overemphasize the peak (best and worst) moment and the last moment. Patient A, getting the shorter procedure, would remember the most painful moment and also the last moment (which was also painful) and mentally average these experiences when recalling the colonoscopy. Patient B, by contrast, would remember the most painful moment, and also the end of the procedure, which was less painful, and average these two experiences."
So remember, for healthier overall memories:
1. The peak can be an ally. That means mellow when things get tough, and an extra dose of smile when things are going right.
2. Depart at high tide, or if at low tide, at least with genuine thanks. Everyone's contributed something to be thankful for.
3. Donate generously to probe-free colon exam research!
1 comment:
Now I'm going to have that lovely thought in my head all day. Eeeeewwwww!
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