The Uncertain Mind: Individual Differences in Facing the Unknown

Richard M. Sorrentino, Christopher J. R. Roney

Psychology Press, 2000 - Psychology - 194 pages

This book discusses individual differences in how people react to uncertainty. The authors show that while some people are relatively comfortable dealing with uncertainty and strive to resolve it (uncertainty-oriented), others are more likely to avoid uncertainty, preferring the familiar or the known (certainty-oriented). They go on to examine the implications of an uncertainty orientation for understanding processes of self-knowledge, social cognition and attitude change, achievement, motivation and performance, interpersonal and group processes, and issues relating to physical and psychological health concerns. Research is discussed which links this uncertainty orientation to each of these issues, raising important practical and theoretical questions for each. The book also considers possible implications for people of both orientations of living in times that may be characterized as being uncertain.

Contents

• The Uncertain Mind and Self1dentity: 27
• The Uncertain Mind in Thought: 49
• The Uncertain Mind in Action: 73
• The 1nterpersonal Context: 95
• Health and Uncertainty Orientation: 129
• Looking Back and Moving Forward: 155
• References: 173

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Uncertain Mind: Individual Differences in Facing the Unknown; Essays in Social Psychology, ISSN 1367-5826
• Authors: Richard M. Sorrentino, Christopher J. R. Roney
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Psychology Press, 2000
• ISBN: 0863776914, 9780863776915
• Length: 194 pages
• Subjects: Psychology / Personality; Psychology / Social Psychology