Ambivalence Research

Scientists studying how ambivalence affects people's lives.
On the front of its Personal Journal section, the Wall Street Journal (9/28, D1, Wang) reports that researchers are looking at how ambivalence, or conflicting feelings about situations, affects people's lives. Some people can make quick decisions, even important ones as selecting a life partner, while those tending toward high ambivalence may spend hours before picking up a pair of socks they like from a store. Some scientists say higher ambivalence indicates a sign of maturity, because it helps people deal with reality better. Still, ambivalent people tend to have troubled relationships and are more likely to land in divorce courts. Scientists aren't sure why some people are wired to have greater ambivalence, but they believe personality traits or culture may play a role.