PALO ALTO, CA — A new study published by the Institute for Obvious Behavioral Science (IOBS) has definitively concluded that the phenomenon of 'pathological demand avoidance' (PDA), previously attributed to certain children, is in fact a universal human trait that simply becomes more socially acceptable with age.

“Our extensive research, involving thousands of subjects from toddlers to CEOs, indicates a consistent, deep-seated aversion to external directives,” stated lead researcher Dr. Evelyn Thorne. “Whether it’s a three-year-old refusing to wear pants or a 50-year-old executive ignoring an email from HR, the underlying mechanism is remarkably similar: 'I don't wanna, and you can't make me.'”

The study suggests that what parents perceive as a 'disorder' in their children is merely an unrefined expression of the same impulse that drives adults to ignore spam calls, leave dishes in the sink, or 'accidentally' miss meetings. “The only difference is that adults have developed more sophisticated coping mechanisms, like feigning ignorance or delegating,” Dr. Thorne added.

One anonymous corporate vice president, when asked about his team’s consistent failure to meet deadlines, reportedly shrugged and said, “Look, if it was *that* important, they’d know I’d get to it when I get to it.” Researchers noted this response as a prime example of adult PDA.

Experts now recommend that instead of seeking therapy for children, parents should simply prepare them for a future where they can eventually hire someone else to do the things they don't want to do.