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
September 11, 2026 - 10:04
The Link Between Clearing Phone Notifications and a Need for ControlThe constant ping of a smartphone has become a familiar part of daily life. Each alert pulls attention away from the task at hand. For some people, the response is immediate. They swipe, tap, and...
September 10, 2026 - 21:35
Psychology says people who go to bed by 9 pm may be doing more than following a sleep routineGoing to bed by 9 pm is often treated as a simple matter of discipline or a sign that someone has given up on their evening. But psychologists suggest the habit can reveal a good deal about a...
September 10, 2026 - 10:50
Forget Eye Contact: A Psychologist Explains How to Actually Spot a LiarThe idea that a liar will avoid your gaze or fidget nervously is deeply embedded in popular culture. According to psychologist Leanne ten Brinke, that assumption is misleading. Speaking on the...
September 9, 2026 - 23:30
Meet the Scotland winger with side hustle in performance psychology - 'I use myself as a guinea pig'A Scotland international has been balancing life on the wing with a deep dive into the mechanics of the mind, using her own experiences as a test case for academic study. The player, known for her...