The Stress of Waiting and Living with Uncertainty

Waiting combines the challenging states of uncertainty and lack of control, leading to heightened stress. Studies show that the period of uncertainty before a diagnosis, rather than the diagnosis itself, is often the most difficult. Worry, although unpleasant, serves a purpose by drawing our attention to future potential threats. However, during waiting periods, worry can become stuck when there is nothing we can do to change the outcome. Women tend to report more worry than men, and personality traits like neuroticism and dispositional optimism can influence how individuals handle waiting and uncertainty. Time perception during waiting can feel prolonged, and getting into a state of flow, where one is fully absorbed in an activity, can help make time pass more easily. Social support is crucial during periods of acute uncertainty, but providing effective support can be challenging. Waiting through an open-ended uncertainty, like the ongoing pandemic, presents unique challenges without a clear end date. Future research in the field will focus on understanding flow experiences, the role of worry during waiting, and the concept of patience as a virtue.