Spoon theory
I first heard about spoon theory when I did a google search, after hearing my friend’s father was less tolerant following a heart operation. The theory made sense to me and was a great analogy for those days where I personally have less energy and/or capacity (Prange-Morgan, 2024). It also, for me seemed to fit with a term a psychologist told me about- window of tolerance- which is the optimal zone of arousal for everyday life (NICABM, n.d.). Below are links for information on Spoon Theory and Window of Tolerance.
National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioural Medicine (n.d.). How to help your clients understand their window of tolerance. National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioural Medicine.https://www.nicabm.com/trauma-how-to-help-your-clients-understand-their-window-of-tolerance/
Prange-Morgan (2024). What is Spoon Theory and why is it important? Psychology Today.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/full-catastrophe-parenting/202403/what-is-spoon-theory-and -
Written by Jessica R. Bibby 05 10 2026
