overscrupulousness

Overscrupulousness refers to an excessive concern with moral or ethical details or an exaggerated sense of one's duties or responsibilities. It is a state where an individual's conscience becomes overly sensitive, leading to persistent worry about whether their actions are right or wrong, even when the choices are morally simple or obvious. This can manifest as a difficulty in making decisions, a constant need for reassurance, or an inability to forgive oneself for minor transgressions.

Individuals experiencing overscrupulousness may spend an inordinate amount of time analyzing their motives and actions, fearing that they might have unintended negative consequences or that they have failed to meet some abstract standard of perfection. This can lead to significant distress, anxiety, and can interfere with daily functioning. It is often related to a fear of making mistakes or a deep-seated belief that one is inherently flawed or morally deficient.

While a healthy conscience is important for ethical behavior, overscrupulousness represents an unhealthy and debilitating extreme. It differs from genuine moral deliberation in its intensity, pervasiveness, and the lack of resolution it produces. In some cases, overscrupulousness can be a symptom of underlying mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or certain anxiety disorders, and may benefit from professional psychological support. The focus is on the individual's internal struggle with their own moral judgment, often leading to a paralyzing self-doubt.