Why People Can't Let Go | The Psychology of Obsession

Why do some people struggle to let go—even when a goal, relationship, or dream is no longer helping them?In this Side Quest episode of Dark Character Profiler, Fulcrum explores the psychology of obsession, identity, persistence, and the hidden ways people become trapped by their own goals. Using insights from forensic psychology, cognitive psychology, and behavioral science, this episode examines the difference between healthy determination and unhealthy fixation.Topics include:Obsession and identityThe sunk cost effectPsychological flexibilityGoal attachmentPersistence vs. fixationWhy letting go can feel impossibleFeaturing a brief callback to the Plankton case file: Plankton: When Failure Becomes Identity.SourcesAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2022). DSM-5-TR.Arkes, H. R., & Blumer, C. (1985). The Psychology of Sunk Cost.Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow.Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2011). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.Beck, J. S. (2020). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond.Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.Enter the ArchiveJoin the community & follow the investigation:https://discord.gg/dva6rJmVzthttps://x.com/Dark_Fulcrum