Waiting for important results, whether medical or professional, can trigger significant anxiety as individuals grapple with uncertainty and feelings of helplessness. Professor Kate Sweeny highlights how this emotional turmoil stems from not knowing what to expect and lacking the ability to influence the outcome. For writers, waiting for feedback on submissions can also be stressful, with many opting to distract themselves to cope. The challenge intensifies for those applying to selective programs where the desire for acceptance adds to the tension as they await crucial decisions.
"Waiting combines two challenging states of mind: Not knowing what's coming, uncertainty, and not being able to do much or anything about it. So, a lack of control."
"If I kept all the decision dates front and center, I'd be so anxious that I wouldn't be able to function."
"It's also the case that personality matters. So, people who have an overall tendency to be high in anxiety about uncertainty are going to have a harder time waiting."
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