Cognitive Rigidity

Cognitive rigidity refers to a style of thinking in which a person finds it difficult to switch mental sets, or to change their thinking to something different. One might say that those who experience cognitive rigidity find it difficult to "switch the gears" inside their brain. There may be various causes of cognitive rigidity. Over a long period of time, trauma and lack of social or intellectual stimulation might make it difficult for people to display flexibility in their thinking styles, and those who are used to certain thinking styles may have adapted to these styles to such a degree that it will take some work to overcome. Excessive trauma might cause derealization and cognitive rigidity to set in. Neoroplasticity does, however, mean that cognitive rigidity can be overcome. Mental exercises can reverse cognitive rigidity over time.