What Is the Hot Cold Empathy Gap? We like to believe we make rational decisions, but current emotional state plays a powerful role. When we are calm and clear headed, we often make plans with confidence. But when we are stressed, tired or emotional, those same plans can feel impossible to carry out. This mismatch can lead to missed appointments, dropped routines or decisions we later regret. How It Affects Healthcare -Patients may feel motivated after a health scare, but that fades once emotions settle -Lifestyle changes feel easy in theory, but harder during stress or illness -Healthcare professionals may unintentionally overestimate what patients can realistically manage once they’re back in their day-to-day lives -Designing for Real Life To Bridge the Gap, We Can: -Normalise fluctuations: Help people anticipate natural highs and lows in mood and motivation, so they’re better prepared when challenges arise -Make the most of ‘cold’ states: Encourage planning and action during calm, focused moments, when long-term thinking is more accessible -Support people in the moment: Provide timely tools, like reminders, prompts, or calming messages, that can be used when emotions run high -Adapt as things change: Check in after significant events to reassess goals and adjust plans, keeping behaviour aligned with intention Understanding the Hot Cold Gap helps us design for what people can actually do, not just what they hope to do. Want to explore how Behavioural science and insights can support your organisation? 📩 Get in touch at Shift@hrwhealthcare.com, or simply fill out the contact form below to find out more. Apply Now!