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 4, 2026 - 21:26
Why some 'arousal' at work is actually good for employee performanceFor decades, the word `arousal` in a workplace context has carried a heavy, often negative weight. Managers picture frazzled employees, burnout, and constant panic. But a century-old principle in...
August 4, 2026 - 01:32
UCF student sounds the alarm that School Psychologist training program lost accreditationA University of Central Florida student is speaking out after discovering that the school`s School Psychologist training program has lost its national accreditation. The student, who asked to...
August 3, 2026 - 13:57
Chores or no chores? The economic psychology of giving kids pocket moneyParents have long debated whether to pay children for doing household tasks. Some see it as a practical way to teach the value of work. Others worry it might turn kids into small mercenaries who...
August 2, 2026 - 23:20
How five psychological traits predict a person’s breaking pointPsychologists have long struggled with a simple question: why do some people bend under pressure while others seem to hold steady? A new framework suggests the answer lies in five distinct...