The Psychology of Intuition

Intuition has historically been a topic of both philosophical and scientific exploration, and could be described as the integration of cumulative, intuitive wisdom, and instinctive physiological reactions to one’s external environment. Occurring almost instantaneously, the phenomenon bypasses analytical thought and referencing of explicit memory and instead highlights the salience of gut feeling.

Some examples of the intuiting process include reading body language in order to gauge others’ thoughts and feelings, making choices that move oneself toward inner peace, knowing what kind of self-talk will effectively soothe or motivate, and abiding by values that drive wise behavioral choices. This distinctive ability can guide successful decision-making and might be considered a sacred gift that complements the powers of the rational mind.

The Role of Implicit Memory

Research suggests that intuition is the accumulation of our prior experiences and memories. Study findings emphasize the deliberate nature of intuition whereby one’s memory bank is mined for relevant experiences that can inform new situations. As one author describes, “Intuition is the way we translate our experience into action. Our experience lets us recognize what is going on (making judgments) and how to react (making decisions). Because our experience enables us to recognize what to do, we can therefore make decisions rapidly and without conscious awareness or effort”. The sourcing of implicit memories contrasts sharply with the more cognitive data-based processing of our conscious mind.

Origins in Neurobiology

In terms of biological influences, neuroscience has demonstrated a physiological connection between brain regions and the immediacy of intuition. For example, a 2011 study involving professional chess players noted the connection between their ability to observe chess board patterns and sensory integration activity in their parietal lobes. Further, the players’ rapid and intuitive identification of strategic game moves was associated with stimulation of the caudate nucleus of the basal ganglia, which regulates higher neurological functions. Making intuitive decisions was therefore a function of their synaptic activity occurring at a heightened pace.

The Brain-Gut Axis and Emotion

Another bodily system influencing our experience of intuition is the vagus nerve, which houses the primary nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system and is a key feature of the brain-gut axis. The brain and gut are connected via a collection of nerves and maintain a reciprocal relationship. In the brain, the vagus nerve connects to several mood-regulating limbic and cortical brain areas including the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which influences the amygdala. The amygdala is a brain region involved in regulation of survival instincts and emotions. Within the gut, the vagus nerve plays a role in regulating inflammation, intestinal and energy homeostasis, and food intake. The state of the gut also directly influences one’s mental health. For example, unaddressed inflammatory bowel disease can lead to the development of mood and anxiety disorders. These connections modulate emotional states that can greatly inform intuitive feeling.

Instinct as a Form of Survival

In terms of physical instinct, the presence of the vagus nerve highlights the evolutionary process driving human survival. Feelings manifested in physical sensation and arousal can provide subtle or overt signals that guide behavior. According to one report, “higher-level and more integrated cognitive and computational systems embedded in our nervous system are likely to be critical to human survival”.  These systems include the amygdala and hypothalamus which optimize our adaptation to ecological threats. Thus, careful attunement to internal signals can guarantee avoidance of danger and maximize experiences of safety.

Wisdom and the Unconscious Mind

In stark contrast to these neural factors is the perspective of intuiting as an act of tapping into unconscious wisdom. Wisdom is a much-lauded virtue that has been explored by philosophers since the time of Greek scholars. Ancient discourse acknowledged the role of cumulative experience and memory in the ability to be attuned to the self. Emphasizing this critical element of self-awareness, Aristotle stated that “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”. Further, wisdom represents “the ideal integration of knowledge and action, mind and virtue”. A wise individual discerns how, when, and where to embrace uncertainty and risk, thereby exercising good judgment that leads to a life well lived.

Jungian Psychology and the Unconscious

More recent psychological study also recognizes the soulful, wisdom-based nature of intuitive decision-making. For example, Carl Jung (1875-1961) was a Swiss psychologist and founder of analytical psychology who reflected deeply on the intersection of intuition and our unconscious, archetypal wisdom. He described intuition as “any kind of perception which takes place in a way that cannot be explained by the function of the senses”. As an unconscious process, intuition is distinct from conscious processing of feelings and thoughts. It is also a highly creative process that “draws the souls out of things” through tapping into our inner wisdom.

Additionally, Jung proposed the existence of primordial images and symbols that are inborn in the human psyche and are independent of culture and generational changes. Wisdom becomes personified in the symbolic archetype of the “senex”, or the wise old man. The wisdom of the senex stems from a wealth of life experience and contrasts with the “puer” archetype representing eternal youth. A congruent relationship with one’s intuition therefore requires living in harmony with the senex abiding in one’s psyche, as “wisdom is a return to [these symbols]”. 

Barriers to Congruence

Difficulties in connecting with our instincts can result in profound struggle. One reason for this detachment may be the habitual suppression of intuition that leads to dormancy. Factors including perceived obligation and social constraints can result in self-invalidation and incongruent priorities, leading to feelings of regret.

In 2012, a palliative care nurse based in Australia recorded conversations with patients near death that culminated in a list of top five regrets of the dying. The first was regret of not honoring dreams and living true to themselves rather than abiding by external expectations. The second was prioritizing work over meaningful time with family. Thirdly, patients regretted not expressing pent-up bitterness and resentments. A fourth concern was not investing in fulfilling friendships. Finally, pretending to be happy and avoidance of change had resulted in deep discontent. Each of these regrets could be connected to an overriding of their intuitive desires.

Another cause of detachment from intuition is traumatic experience. Research has shown that experiences of abuse in intimate relationships may sometimes be reenactments of previous trauma, possibly with one’s childhood caregiver. Additionally, women who are sexually abused in childhood are more vulnerable to physical or sexual abuse in their marriages. More generally, some can perceive traumatized individuals to possess an “addiction to trauma” and distorted sense of what is normal, leading to an overriding of survival instincts. This in no way places blame on victims of trauma; instead, it highlights how trauma and alterations in neural pathways can impair cautionary instincts and intuition.

Further, surviving abuse or neglect as a young person can distort one’s intuitive understanding of healthy attachment and contribute to re-traumatization and revictimization in adulthood. In fact, abuse and neglect in childhood has been shown to result in neurological changes such as altered growth of myelination that governs transmission of neurotransmitters across synapses. This can negatively impact emotional regulation and foster maladaptive responses to stress.

Strengthening Intuition

There are ways to gradually strengthen our intuition, with the primary method being intentional practice. A 2016 study where participants interacted indirectly with emotion-laden imagery revealed that intuitive decision-making was enhanced through unconscious exposure. According to the researchers, intuition improved over time, indicating that mechanisms of intuition can be improved with practice. Through mindful reflection and fostering a habit of turning inwards, emotional cues can be more clearly identified and acted upon. Further, pausing before reacting to a challenge or stressor can allow intuition to become conscious and accessible. This process requires discipline and significant motivation to grow in self-awareness. Another approach is to engage in creative tasks that encourage free association and interaction with nascent sensations and feelings.

A second important process is addressing traumas that may be impeding access to helpful intuitions. Issues to focus on can include normalized suppression of natural feelings and sensations or even dissociation that is perpetuating revictimization. Psychotherapy and creative arts therapies are supportive places to explore and integrate unprocessed traumatic experiences.

Healing modalities such as somatic experiencing may also support the rebalancing of one’s nervous system and the regulation of a healthy vagus nerve.  Finally, we can all benefit from maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle in order to decrease the risk of developing mood disorders and other barriers to emotional attunement. These practices can strengthen intuition and our ability to make wise choices that greatly enhance our well-being.

Additional Reading

Scientific American, “Can We Rely on Our Intuition?”

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-we-rely-on-our-intuition/

Frontiers in Psychology, “Intuition and Insight: Two Processes That Build on Each Other or Fundamentally Differ?”

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01395/full

Mind Body Green, “18 Ways To Develop & Strengthen Your Intuition”

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-17693/18-ways-to-strengthen-your-intuition.html.

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