Overfikseringen

Overfikseringen is a term used to describe excessive fixation on a single detail, idea, or aspect of a task or problem, often at the expense of the broader context. The word combines over- with fiksering (fixation), and is commonly used in Scandinavian languages to discuss cognitive and behavioral rigidity. It is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis but a descriptive concept found in psychology, education, and organizational discourse.

In practice, overfikseringen can manifest as tunnel vision, perseveration, or reluctance to shift strategies when new information appears. People may overemphasize minor issues, ignore alternative explanations, or cling to an initial hypothesis despite contrary evidence. In education and management, it can lead to delays, inefficient problem-solving, and conflicts when teams become preoccupied with a single parameter or criterion.

Causes of overfikseringen are multifaceted. They include cognitive biases, high-stress environments, inadequate metacognitive skills, and reward structures that reinforce narrow focus. It may also arise from fatigue, anxiety, or entrenched routines that limit flexible thinking.

Mitigation involves strategies to broaden perspective and improve cognitive flexibility. Approaches include explicit problem reframing, structured decision-making processes, devil’s advocacy, and time-bound review phases. Training in metacognition, perspective-taking, and debiasing techniques can help individuals recognize when fixation occurs and shift to more adaptive strategies.

Critics note that overfikseringen is a heuristic rather than a discrete disorder, and its boundaries vary by context. It is related to broader concepts such as cognitive rigidity, tunnel vision, and certain fixation-related biases. See also cognitive biases, cognitive rigidity, and problem-solving strategies.