Many people experience thoughts that keep repeating in their minds, such as an email they haven’t sent or laundry that is still unfolded. Experts suggest that these repetitive thoughts often relate to tasks or conversations that feel unfinished. This phenomenon is known as the Zeigarnik effect, which is a common occurrence and not necessarily negative. While these thoughts might be bothersome, they can provide valuable insights into how our memory functions and how we can address procrastination.
Kendra Cherry, MS, Ed, explained in an article for Verywell Mind that the Zeigarnik effect is named after Bluma Zeigarnik, a Russian psychologist who studied under Kurt Lewin. While observing waiters in a busy Vienna restaurant, Zeigarnik noticed that they had a better memory for orders that had not yet been paid for. However, once the bill was settled, they struggled to recall the specifics of those orders. In her 1927 research paper titled “On Finished and Unfinished Tasks,” Zeigarnik conducted experiments where participants completed activities such as stringing beads, assembling puzzles, or solving math problems. Half of the participants were interrupted during these tasks. Interestingly, after a wait of an hour, those who had been interrupted were twice as likely to remember what they had been doing compared to those who finished their tasks. In another part of her research, she found that adults recalled unfinished tasks 90% more often than completed ones.
According to an article in Psychology Today, the Zeigarnik effect has its advantages. It can actually help improve memory retention. If someone is trying to learn new information, taking a break during the task and focusing on a different activity can enhance learning. Returning to the original task after a short break, which could last from a few minutes to an hour, supports memory more effectively. The article also emphasizes the importance of concentrating on one task at a time, as multitasking can lead to distracting thoughts about unfinished work, delaying the completion of all tasks. Completing tasks one by one can free up mental space for the next one.
Cherry also noted that this effect can make people feel “hooked” on movies and TV shows. Creators, such as filmmakers and television writers, utilize this effect in their work. For example, movie trailers often reveal only partial details about the plot and characters, capturing the audience’s interest and leaving them wanting to see the full movie.
Lisa Chen, LMFT, shared her thoughts with Upworthy, explaining that this method can have positive effects. She mentioned that it serves to keep important goals present in our minds. Unfinished tasks or conversations can act like active reminders, similar to Post-it notes, guiding individuals back to what they need to complete.
How do you handle thoughts about unfinished tasks in your life?
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Source: Upworthy, by Cecily Knobler