Ostriching

Like an ostrich putting its head in the sand, ostriching describes a person avoiding thinking about an uncomfortable topic. This avoidance means they never form an intention or consider doing something about it.

Application

• Thinking about being HIV-positive can be overwhelming. People who avoid thinking about it might never form an intention to get tested.

• An individual does not want to think about the idea that the way their partner constantly puts them down and yells at them could be gender-based violence. They never form an intention to seek help.

What it is not:

Putting off doing something uncomfortable – that is procrastination.