psychological cost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "psychological cost" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the mental or emotional toll associated with a decision, action, or situation. For example, "The psychological cost of making that choice weighed heavily on her mind." Alternative expressions include "emotional toll" and "mental burden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

David Grossman, a former West Point psychology professor and author of "On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society," said: "The one safeguard in society we tend to underplay is the military's self-discipline.

The New York Times

The psychological cost of maintaining a normal routine, however, shot up with the killer's latest threat.

The New York Times

In most cases, they did so — but at a psychological cost.

The New York Times - Books

Zwick and Herskovitz have no qualms about showing the psychological cost of that ethos.

The Guardian - Opinion

What none of the figures above include is the psychological cost of arming teachers.

The Washington Post

New products force consumers to change their behavior, and that has a psychological cost.

Harvard Business Review

Even so, the decision may come at some financial, as well as psychological, cost for Belgians.

The New York Times

"The psychological cost of a double fault may be worse than losing a volley," Kahneman wrote.

The New York Times - Sports

Corruption also exacts a high psychological cost on those who engage in it.

The Economist

Apart from time and legal bills, separation also exacts a psychological cost, some divorce lawyers say.

The New York Times

The psychological cost to Russia's top brass of last week's humility was considerable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex decisions or situations, use "psychological cost" to acknowledge the often-overlooked mental and emotional strain involved.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on the "psychological cost" without also considering tangible consequences like financial strain or physical health impacts. A balanced perspective provides a more comprehensive understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "psychological cost" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting the mental or emotional burden associated with a particular action, event, or situation. As Ludwig highlights, it is frequently used in various contexts to quantify the mental implications of a decision or experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "psychological cost" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to the mental and emotional strain resulting from specific actions or events. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academia and serves to highlight often-overlooked implications in decision-making and analysis. To improve your writing, use "psychological cost" to discuss complex decisions. Alternatives such as "emotional toll" or "mental burden" can be used to convey similar meanings but may have slightly different connotations. Ensure consideration of quantifiable impacts alongside the "psychological cost" for comprehensive analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

psychological impact

Focuses on the broad effects on one's mind and emotions.

emotional burden

Focuses on the emotional weight or strain.

mental toll

Highlights the impact on mental well-being.

emotional toll

Similar to emotional burden, emphasizing the negative impact on emotions.

mental distress

Emphasizes the state of emotional suffering or pain.

mental health consequences

Highlights the effects on mental health in negative ways.

affective consequences

Emphasizes the emotional or feeling-related results.

cognitive demand

Refers to the amount of mental effort required.

psychic damage

Suggests a more profound and lasting psychological harm.

inner turmoil

Highlights the internal conflict and agitation.

FAQs

How can I use "psychological cost" in a sentence?

You can use "psychological cost" to describe the mental or emotional burden associated with a decision, event, or situation. For example, "The "emotional burden" of war can have a lasting "psychological impact" on veterans".

What's a good alternative to "psychological cost"?

Alternatives include "emotional toll", "mental burden", or ""psychological impact"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "psychological cost" or "emotional cost"?

Both phrases are valid, but "psychological cost" is often used in more formal or academic contexts, while "emotional toll" might be preferred in more casual or personal discussions.

What factors contribute to the "psychological cost" of a major life change?

Factors can include stress, anxiety, uncertainty, grief, and disruption of routine. These can have a relevant "psychological impact" on the emotional and mental wellbeing.