Coffee helps not to give up: scientists have proven an unexpected effect

A cup of coffee invigorates everyone. But it turns out that caffeine has another interesting effect: it increases persistence, which is to say, it helps you try to solve a difficult problem longer, even if it seems impossible. This works best after stress. This is stated in a new study of Amherst College (USA).

The experiment involved 329 students. They were given tasks, some of which were impossible, such as finding an object in a picture where there was none. Scientists looked at how long a person kept trying before giving up.

With a small dose of caffeine (40 mg in chewing gum), there was no effect. But 100 mg — like a cup of strong coffee — significantly increased perseverance: participants spent about half the allotted time searching, while decaffeinated — only 38%.

The most interesting is the third experiment. Students were asked to hold their hand in icy water (stress!). And those who received caffeine after that showed much more perseverance in solving impossible tasks than those who solved without a stimulant.

Caffeine reduces fatigue and stimulates brain systems associated with motivation and reward. However, there are limitations - the participants' habits were not taken into account, and the tasks measured only one type of perseverance. But the conclusion is still interesting: coffee helps us not to give up, especially when we are nervous.