Devil’s Advocate, is that you?
Dear Devil’s Advocate,
Your persistent voice has urged me to consider alternative perspectives, which I’m grateful for, especially given my tendency to self-isolate.
Not long ago, I was adamant about cutting myself off from my friends and no one could convince me otherwise. I was convinced that isolating myself was the best solution to my problems. Thankfully, I remembered that you're a DBT operative who can help me find a middle ground in the midst of all-or-nothing decision making.
You stepped in with constructive challenges that helped me consider the potential benefits of staying connected. At first, I resisted your suggestions, yet you persisted and in that I started to see beyond. That’s when I was able to pause and reconsider. I was able to reach out despite my strong urge to retreat. And of course you know what happened next—one single action led to a chain of positive interactions that significantly improved my mood and outlook. You helped me see that sometimes, acting opposite to our instincts can lead to unexpected positive outcomes.
I have a confession. I haven't always recognized your voice.
Are you my inner critic?
There were times when I confused you with my inner critic. It took time to see the difference between you both. But in the end, I got it.
You push me to consider alternative viewpoints when I'm stuck in black-and-white thinking. You challenge me to expand my perspective and see possibilities I might have overlooked. Your questions, while sometimes uncomfortable, are ultimately constructive and aimed at helping me grow.
My inner critic, on the other hand, tends to fuel doubt and sadness. It doesn't offer alternatives or push me to grow; instead, it fuels negative thought patterns and self-defeating behaviors. Unlike you, it doesn't help me see another side – it only reinforces the darkest version of my thoughts.
Learning to tell the difference between your voice and that of my inner critic has been valuable. It's helped me become more discerning about the thoughts I entertain and the internal dialogues I engage in. I'm getting better at recognizing when I need to listen to your challenging questions and when I need to quiet the unhelpful chatter of my inner critic.
So, thank you, Devil's Advocate, for being a constructive force in my life. Your role in helping me break free from isolation and see beyond my limited perspective has been invaluable. I look forward to giving you air time, the next time I need to make a more balanced decision.
PS.
I found that you’re helping the masses! Research found that the devil's advocate approach has proven to be an effective strategy in group settings as well. A study highlighted how this technique can combat groupthink—a phenomenon where individuals conform to majority opinions, stifling creativity and open dialogue. By introducing a devil's advocate role in focus groups, people were encouraged to reflect alternative perspectives, ask different questions, and challenge dominant opinions.
They found that this strategy reduced conformity and censorship within groups, fostered critical thinking, and stimulated discussions. It helped groups explore complex issues thoroughly and avoid premature conclusions.
References:
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT® skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
MacDougall, C., & Baum, F. (1997). The devil's advocate: A strategy to avoid groupthink and stimulate discussion in focus groups. Qualitative health research, 7(4), 532-541.
