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| Self-Interruptions 2025 Geoffrey W Sutton |
Self-interruptions in multitasking refer to voluntary shifts in attention initiated by the individual, rather than prompted by external stimuli.
These interruptions occur when a person disengages from a primary task to attend to another, often unrelated, activity—such as checking a phone or switching browser tabs—without any external cue prompting the change.
According to Adler and Benbunan-Fich (2013), self-interruptions are driven by internal cognitive and emotional states, such as boredom, frustration, or perceived lack of progress. Their study integrates Flow Theory and Self-Regulation Theory to propose a typology of self-interruptions, distinguishing between those triggered by positive feelings (e.g., confidence in task completion) and negative feelings (e.g., anxiety or doubt). Notably, negative emotional states were found to produce more frequent self-interruptions, which in turn decreased task accuracy and performance.
Rosen's work (Stringer, 2017) indicates that self-interruptions, especially those involving digital devices, contribute to task-switching costs—the cognitive load and time lost when resuming the original task. These interruptions fragment attention and reduce productivity, even when they appear brief or harmless.
Cognitive Load and Related Concepts
Cognitive Load and Cognitive Load Theory
Self-Interruptions and Cognition
Post Author
Geoffrey W. Sutton, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Evangel University, holds a master’s degree in counseling and a PhD in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His postdoctoral work encompassed education and supervision in forensic and neuropsychology. As a licensed psychologist, he conducted clinical and neuropsychological evaluations and provided psychotherapy for patients in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private offices. During his tenure as a professor, Dr. Sutton taught courses on psychotherapy, assessment, and research. He has authored over one hundred publications, including books, book chapters, and articles in peer-reviewed psychology journals. His website is https://suttong.com
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Adler, R. F., & Benbunan-Fich, R. (2013). Self-interruptions in discretionary multitasking. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1441–1449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.01.040
Stringer, H. (2017). Boosting productivity. Monitor on Psychology, 48(8), 54. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/09/boosting-productivity
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