Extinction Bursts – Why We Resist Change Before We Adapt

Have you ever tried to quit a habit only to find yourself indulging in it even more before finally letting go? Or ignored someone’s message, only to receive a flood of follow-ups? Welcome to the world ofextinction bursts—the brain’s last-ditch effort to hold onto old patterns before they fade away.

In this episode ofThe Psychology of Us, Professor RJ Starr explores the fascinating psychological phenomenon of extinction bursts, explaining why we resist change before we adapt. Drawing from behavioral psychology and real-life examples, he uncovers why cravings peak before disappearing, why resistance to new policies or boundaries escalates before settling, and why understanding this process is the key to lasting change.

If you’ve ever felt like you were failing just as you were about to make a breakthrough, this episode will shift your perspective. Learn how to navigate extinction bursts with confidence—whether you’re breaking a habit, enforcing a boundary, or pushing through personal growth.

Tune in and discover why things often seem hardest right before they get better.

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