Why when I have a bruise or cut causing discomfort do I feel the need to constantly mess with it causing more discomfort?
It's a stress reaction. Medicine is a relatively recent development (tens of thousands of years old) versus millions of years of being alive and being injured. Animals (of which we are one) tend to 'fuss over' injuries, cuts and wounds.
The Short Answer
It's a stress reaction. Medicine is a relatively recent development (tens of thousands of years old) versus millions of years of being alive and being injured. Animals (of which we are one) tend to 'fuss over' injuries, cuts and wounds. It lets us keep constant watch on them (are there parasites? Is it healing or getting infected? Do I have to remove a splinter or foreign body?) and decide if there is a course of action that may give us a better chance of survival. Additionally, there is an unconscious desire to shield or protect that injury. You may find your hand moves over it, or your favour one side of the body and keep the 'wounded' side further from people when you talk to them. This is, again, genetically-conditioned behavior which let our ancestors survive and reproduce.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Years, keep, body
This explanation focuses on years, keep, body and spans 138 words across 9 sentences. At 103% above the average Psychology explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “It's a stress reaction.” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 9 connected points.
How This Compares in Psychology
Ranked #33 of 500 Psychology questions by answer depth (top 7%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why why when i have a bruise or cut causing discomfort do i feel the need to constantly mess with it causing more discomfort?
It's a stress reaction. Medicine is a relatively recent development (tens of thousands of years old) versus millions of years of being alive and being injured. Animals (of which we are one) tend to 'fuss over' injuries, cuts and wounds. It lets us…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Psychology questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 138 words, ranked #33 of 500 Psychology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are years, keep, body.
What approach does this answer take to explain why when i have a bruise or cut causing discomfort do i feel?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 138 words. It is categorized under Psychology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.