Redefining Patience: A Psychological Exploration
December 20, 2024 - 14:30
Patience, often considered a virtue, has long been a concept that eludes clear definition. UC Riverside psychology researcher Kate Sweeny has taken a closer look at this intriguing trait, questioning its traditional associations. While philosophers and religious scholars extol patience as a moral quality, Sweeny notes a common sentiment among individuals who identify more with impatience. This discrepancy prompted her to investigate whether patience is truly linked to moral character or if it is more about our coping mechanisms in the face of everyday frustrations.
In her research, Sweeny aims to delineate the characteristics of both patience and impatience, exploring the underlying factors that influence these behaviors. By examining how people respond to delays and obstacles, she hopes to uncover the psychological elements that shape our experiences of waiting and frustration. This inquiry not only seeks to clarify the nature of patience but also challenges the notion of it being an inherent virtue, suggesting instead that it may be more about our responses to life's challenges.
MORE NEWS
June 18, 2026 - 12:33
Feds investigating antisemitism allegations at American Psychological AssociationThe U.S. Department of Education has opened a formal investigation into the American Psychological Association following a series of complaints from Jewish and Israeli psychologists. The...
June 17, 2026 - 20:46
The Psychology & Logistics of "Late-in-Life" MovingMoving is never easy, but for older adults, the decision to relocate later in life brings a unique blend of emotional weight and practical hurdles. Experts say the process is about far more than...
June 17, 2026 - 03:06
Loneliness drives cognitive impairment, can lead to shorter life, study suggestsA new international study suggests that loneliness, not just physical isolation, may speed up cognitive decline in older adults and even shorten their lifespan. Researchers analyzed data from 18...
June 16, 2026 - 01:30
The marshmallow test, redone with ten times as many children, found that a four-year-old's willpower mostly stopped predicting teenage success once family background was taken into accountA landmark 2018 study has cast new doubt on the famous marshmallow test, the classic experiment that seemed to prove a child`s ability to delay gratification predicted their future success. The...