How Our Psychological Traits Shape Our Behaviors and Perspectives
I’m a massive fan of the Hidden Brain podcast hosted by Shankar Vedantam. On a flight from Frankfurt to Madrid, I scrolled my downloads looking for something to pass the two-and-a-half hours. Fantastically, I came across an episode titled “Sitting with Uncertainty” (2024). Bam! I thought—this is exactly what I need. It’s February 2025, and uncertainty, fear, and chaos feel like our daily reality.
In this compelling interview, Vedantam spoke with Dr. Dannagal Goldthwaite Young—a professor of communication and political science at the University of Delaware and a stand-up comedian. Together, they explored the psychological differences between people who crave certainty and those comfortable with the unknown—and the consequences of both.
What Our Reactions Reveal About Us
Young shared a personal story about a trip to Kauai with her then-boyfriend (now husband). Her luggage didn’t arrive, and her reaction revealed a lot about how she deals with uncertainty versus how her partner does. For her, the lack of closure was stressful; for him, her inability to adapt and see alternative solutions was the “problem.”
This illustrates a broader principle: how we handle uncertainty says a lot about who we are, our beliefs, and how we operate in the world. Some people feel comfort in control and predictability, while others thrive in ambiguity.
The Colbert Test
Young recounted meeting Stephen Colbert during her time in NYC. He challenged her plans to pursue stand-up comedy instead of a PhD, questioning why she would embrace uncertainty when a more secure path existed. Vedantam suggested that Colbert might have been “testing” her, showing her an opportunity to see herself differently.
It’s a reminder: understanding our comfort with uncertainty helps us navigate life’s decisions and challenges.
Closers vs. Ambiguity Tolerators
Young’s research identifies two types of people:
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Closers – those with a high need for closure. They seek structure, predictability, and answers quickly. They are emotionally driven and react strongly to perceived threats or injustice. They excel in emergencies because they’re always “on the pivot,” spotting risks and reacting fast.
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Ambiguity Tolerators – those comfortable with uncertainty. They enjoy exploring possibilities, thinking analytically, and taking time to make decisions. They are less reactive emotionally but may struggle with urgent action, especially in chaotic situations.
Both types have strengths and vulnerabilities. Closers may gravitate toward conspiracy theories as a way to quickly “close” complex problems. Ambiguity-tolerant individuals may overthink and delay decisions while waiting for more information.
Understanding Yourself
Young emphasizes that our responses to uncertainty shape our behavior in all areas—vacations, relationships, political beliefs, even our preferences for music or art. Those comfortable with ambiguity may enjoy abstract art or open-ended stories. Closers may prefer predictability, structure, and clear outcomes.
Knowing your tendencies allows you to:
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Recognize your stress triggers.
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Understand why you respond the way you do.
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Make more informed decisions in a chaotic world.
Applying This Knowledge
Ask yourself:
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How do I respond when events are unpredictable?
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Do I seek immediate answers or explore multiple possibilities?
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How can I balance my tendencies to navigate life more effectively?
Recognizing your psychological traits is not about judgment—it’s about awareness. Both closers and ambiguity-tolerators can thrive when they understand themselves and those around them.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your relationship with uncertainty helps you navigate the modern world, where chaos and unpredictability are constants. Remember: patience with yourself and others is key. People are not the enemy; they’re seeking the same sense of peace, security, and validation you are.
If you’re struggling or finding it difficult to cope, reach out for support. Mental health professionals, primary care providers, and emergency resources like 988 are available. Take care of yourself first—you cannot help others if you don’t.
Reflect & Engage:
Who are you: a closer or an ambiguity tolerator? How will you use this understanding to navigate your life today? Leave a comment below or connect with me via messenger. Don’t forget to share your feelings about this article with an emoji!