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
August 30, 2026 - 06:47
Harry Bryant On EAST, Big-Wave Psychology & Fin-GateBryant does not hold back when talking about the so-called `fin-gate` controversy. He explains that the backlash around his fin choice was blown out of proportion, but he also admits it forced him...
August 29, 2026 - 18:35
Trend Persistence and the Psychology of the Trailing Exit for GoldThe idea behind the Nick Rypock Trailing Reverse framework is not entirely new, but its application to the gold market offers a fresh lens on an old problem. The framework belongs to a family of...
August 29, 2026 - 02:39
Eric Morris Trying to Solve Oklahoma State Football’s ‘Psychology Problem’The numbers are stunning when one considers how good Oklahoma State had been for the past 20 years. But this season, the Cowboys have stumbled into a pattern that looks less like a talent gap and...
August 28, 2026 - 16:05
Psychology says spilling your coffee in front of people can make them like you more, not less — researchers call it the pratfall effect, and the fumble humanizes you, but only if they already thought you were competentMost people dread messing up in public. Spilling coffee on your shirt, tripping on a step, or mispronouncing a name feels like a social disaster. But psychology suggests the opposite might be true....