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词数：416 words
难度：★★★★☆
小贴士：
这篇文章原文内容还挺长的，引用了各种研究的观点，感兴趣的可以把本文拖到最后，点击左下角的“阅读原文”查看~
——大橙子留
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上期划线句答案
To address the question of how stable traits are across the lifespan, in a thorough review paper, trait psychologists Costa, McCrae, and Löckenhoff (2019) reviewed various studies using samples that varied in terms of the cultures of samples studied, the ages of samples studied, methodologies, and more.
为了解决性格特质在整个人生中稳定程度的问题，性格心理学家Costa、McCrae和Löckenhoff(2019)在一篇全面的综述论文中回顾了多项研究，这些研究使用的样本在研究样本的文化、研究样本的年龄、方法等方面各有不同。
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本期内容
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双语阅读
Para.1
Expecting the worst to avoid feeling bad later is known as bracing. People report bracing to help them prepare for emotionally challenging situations, particularly in the moments before these situations occur. People brace for the worst while waiting for a range of potentially negative outcomes, such as exam grades, medical test results, or financial outcomes. Someone might also brace for the worst in anticipation of stressful events, such as giving a presentation at work or having a difficult conversation with a loved one.
Para.2
Some psychological theories suggest that bracing should help. For example, ‘decision affect theory’ proposes that how we feel about a situation is determined partly by comparing what actually happened with what could have happened. Based on this idea, people should be happy when an event exceeds their expectations, and disappointed when an event falls short of their expectations. Therefore, expecting the worst should protect someone from feeling bad in the future, because any outcome will likely surpass expectations.
Para.3
But other psychological theories undermine the idea that bracing will be helpful. It has been theorised – and empirically established – that expectations can powerfully influence reality. (This premise underlies many bestselling books and helps explain the placebo effect.) There are two key ways that expectations can shape reality.
Para.4
First, people may behave in ways that fit with their expectations. If you expect to fail an upcoming test or interview, then you might not bother to spend much time preparing for it, which in turn reduces your chances of doing well. Second, people may interpret a situation in line with their expectations. Imagine you believe you are insufficiently qualified for a job you’ve applied for. During the job interview, you’re likely to interpret blank expressions from the panel in line with this belief, which could negatively affect your interview performance. In actual fact, the panel likely did not want to give anything away – a conclusion you might have drawn with more positive expectations of the situation. In sum, the influence of expectations on reality suggests that it might be better to hold positive expectations than to brace for the worst.
Para.5
Drawing together the scientific studies, it seems like expecting the worst is an unwise way to prepare for upcoming news or results. Bracing appears to make people feel worse as they wait, with little to no benefit – and, potentially, emotional costs – after they receive what they are waiting for. But awaiting important if uncertain news and preparing for stressful events are inescapable parts of our lives.
本文节选自：psyche（心理学）
发布时间：2023.07
作者：psyche
原文标题：Why it might not help – and could hurt – to brace for the worst
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写作句总结
Therefore, expecting the worst should protect someone from feeling bad in the future, because any outcome will likely surpass expectations.
结构：Therefore, expecting the worst should protect someone from feeling bad in the future, ….
因此，做最坏的打算可以让人在未来不感到难过，…。
例句：Therefore, expecting the worst should protect someone from feeling bad in the future, because mental preparation has been prepared totally.
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阅读理解题
Based on the passage, which of the following is true about bracing for the worst?
A. Bracing helps people feel better about potential negative outcomes.
B. Bracing reduces the likelihood of success in upcoming situations.
C. Bracing allows people to interpret situations in a more positive light.
D. Bracing is an effective way to prepare for uncertain events.
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打卡作业
翻译文章中的划线句，并长按文末小程序码回复打卡，下期推送会在文章开头处公布参考翻译答案，大家一起来学习英语吧~
翻译 | 大橙子
校对 | 李柚子
词汇词组 | 西西弗
划线句讲解 | 流木
写作句总结 | 沅沅
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