Obstinacy begins in the mind and can cause people to stubbornly hold on to their opinions, plans or decisions even when presented with logical reasons to reconsider, Reverend Benjamin Boateng has explained.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nyansapo Fie, hosted by Akosua Gyamfua, Rev. Benjamin Boateng described an obstinate person as someone who refuses to change their mind or position despite being given reasonable explanations. He said such a person may also be described as stubborn or unreasonable.
According to him, obstinacy is part of human behaviour and can be influenced by a complex interaction between the mind and emotions.
He explained that past hurts and experiences, including betrayal, cheating and trauma, can contribute to obstinate behaviour. He added that losing something precious can also trigger emotional defences as individuals seek to protect their self-esteem.
Rev. Boateng distinguished between confidence, assertiveness and obstinacy, explaining that they reflect different mindsets and behaviours.
He described confidence as an internal belief that motivates a person, while assertiveness involves expressing oneself through appropriate communication and actions.
He identified pride as another factor that can make people obstinate. According to him, pride can create a rigid mental state in which changing one’s mind is perceived as humiliation or defeat.
He added that some people may reject correction because they feel their identity or image is being threatened.
Rev. Boateng also referred to the backfire effect, where attempts to correct a person’s beliefs can sometimes cause them to hold on to those beliefs even more strongly.
He noted that shame and guilt can also influence how people respond to correction or admitting that they are wrong.
On whether an obstinate person is aware of their behaviour, Rev. Boateng said individuals can be conscious of their obstinacy because the behaviour begins in the mind.
He stressed, however, that an obstinate person can change if they make a conscious decision to do so, explaining that individuals have the ability to choose between positive and negative behaviours.
To manage and overcome obstinacy, Rev. Boateng recommended turning to the Word of God and prayer.
By: Lydia Owusu
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