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Toward a definition of intolerance of uncertainty: A review of factor analytical studies of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale
Open accessAbstract
Since its emergence in the early 1990s, a narrow but concentrated body of research has developed examining the role of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) in worry, and yet we still know little about its phenomenology. In an attempt to clarify our understanding of this construct, this paper traces the way in which our understanding and definition of IU have evolved throughout the literature. This paper also aims to further our understanding of IU by exploring the latent variables measures by the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS; Freeston, Rheaume, Letarte, Dugas & Ladouceur, 1994). A review of the literature surrounding IU confirmed that the current definitions are categorical and lack specificity. A critical review of existing factor analytic studies was carried out in order to determine the underlying factors measured by the IUS. Systematic searches yielded 9 papers for review. Two factors with 12 consistent items emerged throughout the exploratory studies, and the stability of models containing these two factors was demonstrated in subsequent confirmatory studies. It is proposed that these factors represent (i) desire for predictability and an active engagement in seeking certainty, and (ii) paralysis of cognition and action in the face of uncertainty. It is suggested that these factors may represent approach and avoidance responses to uncertainty. Further research is required to confirm the construct validity of these factors and to determine the stability of this structure within clinical samples.
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“there has been considerable support for a two-factor IUS-12 structure: (1) a 7-item prospective IU scale related to action/approach-oriented strategies in order to increase certainty (e.g. seeking more information), and (2) a 5-item inhibitory IU associated with inaction/avoidance-oriented thoughts and behaviours (e.g. delayed decision-making) [251, 259, 264–271].”
In the citing paper
“The IUS-12 has good psychometric properties [42]”
From Factors impacting resilience as a result of exposure to COVID-19: The ecological resilience model (2021) · cites this paper as [42]
In the citing paper
“Several studies have demonstrated the stability of a two-factor structure for the IUS-12 and associations between these factors and different anxiety disorders. 11-13”
From Psychometric properties of the brazilian intolerance of uncertainty scale – short version (Ius-12) (2020) · cites this paper as [12]
In the citing paper
“Current extensive evidence suggests positive correlations between IU and anxiety-related constructs such as worry, 7 anxiety sensitivity, 17 obsessions and compulsions, 12 and fear of negative evaluation. 19”
From Psychometric properties of the brazilian intolerance of uncertainty scale – short version (Ius-12) (2020) · cites this paper as [12]
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Metadata
- Authors
- Birrell, J., Meares, K., Wilkinson, A., & Freeston, M.
- Affiliations
- Newcastle University (GB)
- Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Birrell, Jane
- ORCID
- Freeston, Mark
- Venue
- Clinical Psychology Review
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2011-11
- Volume
- 31
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 1198-1208
- ISSN
- 0272-7358 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2009179987
- Cited by
- 459
- References
- 71
- Citations by year
- 2026: 46 · 2025: 31 · 2024: 44 · 2023: 56 · 2022: 62 · 2021: 56 · 2020: 24 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 18 · 2017: 21 · 2016: 27 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 13 · 2012: 11
- FWCI
- 1.55
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- doi.org
- Locations
- Clinical Psychology Review (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Newcastle University ePrints (Newcastle Univesity)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies
- Keywords
- intolerance of uncertainty, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, factor structure, construct validity, worry, approach-avoidance behavior, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms
- MeSH terms
- Anxiety, Anxiety Disorders, Humans, Models, Psychological, Psychometrics, Reproducibility of Results, Uncertainty
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