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Waiting Well: Tips for Navigating Painful Uncertainty
Article first published online: 2 MAR 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00423.x
© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Additional Information
How to Cite
Sweeny, K. (2012), Waiting Well: Tips for Navigating Painful Uncertainty. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 6: 258–269. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00423.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 2 MAR 2012
- Article first published online: 2 MAR 2012
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Abstract
Waiting for uncertain news can be a source of anxiety and distraction. This paper explores the experience of waiting for news that is both uncertain and unchangeable and provides tips for waiting well under these circumstances. During difficult waiting periods people can mitigate anxiety, reduce disruptive rumination, and minimize later harm by (1) distracting themselves from their uncertainty, (2) managing their expectations, (3) looking for the silver lining in all outcomes, (4) keeping perspective regarding the news, and (5) planning ahead for the objective and psychological consequences of bad news.