People have psychological immune systems that help regulate their emotions, similar to the way the body regulates physical processes. When under immense time pressure, individuals may struggle to regulate their emotions and act inappropriately. In such situations, deep frustration might be the predominant emotion. However, seeking closure and explanation can diminish this frustration, as emotions linger when there is a lack of closure and end when there are explanations about the situation.
In a special episode of No Stupid Questions, Angela Duckworth and Mike Maughan talk about unfinished tasks, recurring arguments, and Irish goodbyes.
- RESOURCES:
- "Life and Work of the Psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik," by M. Marco (Neurosciences and History, 2018).
- "Why We Need Answers," by Maria Konnikova (The New Yorker, 2013).
- "Consider It Done! Plan Making Can Eliminate the Cognitive Effects of Unfulfilled Goals," by E. J. Masicampo and Roy Baumeister (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2011).
- The Science of Trust: Emotional Attunement for Couples, by John Gottman (2011).
- "'Let Me Dream On!' Anticipatory Emotions and Preference for Timing in Lotteries," by Martin Kocher, Michal Krawczyk, and Frans van Winden (Tinbergen Institute Discussion Paper, 2009).
- "Explaining Away: A Model of Affective Adaptation," by Timothy Wilson and Daniel Gilbert (Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2008).
- "On Finished and Unfinished Tasks," by Bluma Zeigarnik (A Source Book of Gestalt Psychology, 1938).