A Little Uncertainty Goes a Long Way: State and Trait Differences in Uncertainty Interact to Increase Information Seeking but Also Increase Worry

Rosen, Natalie O.; Knäuper, Bärbel

doi:10.1080/10410230902804125

Cited by 177Patient-Provider Communication in HealthcareRisk Perception and ManagementAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

A Little Uncertainty Goes a Long Way: State and Trait Differences in Uncertainty Interact to Increase Information Seeking but Also Increase Worry

Rosen, Natalie O., Knäuper, Bärbel·2009·Health Communication

DOI 10.1080/10410230902804125

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Abstract

This study examines the effect of an interaction between intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and situational uncertainty (SU) on worry due to uncertainty and on information seeking. Health providers may benefit from knowing when communicating uncertain information is beneficial. The study was a 2 (IU condition: high vs. low) x 2 (SU condition: high vs. low) experimental design resulting in four conditions to which university students (N = 153) were randomly assigned. IU was manipulated through a linguistic manipulation of responses to an IU questionnaire coupled with written false feedback. SU was manipulated by modifying the information participants read about a fictitious infection. Individuals in the high IU and high SU condition sought the most information and worried most due to uncertainty compared to people in the low IU and low SU condition, who sought the least information and worried least. Findings suggest that high IU may increase positive health behaviors such as screening intentions when individuals are faced with an uncertain health threat, but that it also increases worries due to that uncertainty. Providing opportunities for discussing one's emotional response to uncertainty and providing instrumental support for managing uncertainty (e.g., booking the follow-up appointment) is essential when communicating uncertain information.

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“Data suggest that intolerance of uncertainty is a causal risk factor for high levels of worry and GAD and that it plays a key role in the etiology of GAD [39-43].”
From The role of intolerance of uncertainty and working alliance in the outcome of cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder delivered by videoconference: Mediation analysis (2021) · cites this paper as [42]

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Authors: Rosen, N. O., & Knäuper, B.
Affiliations: McGill University (CA)
McGill University
Corresponding author: Rosen, Natalie O.
ORCID: Rosen, Natalie O.
Venue: Health Communication
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2009-05-04
Volume: 24
Issue: 3
Pages: 228-238
ISSN: 1041-0236 (ISSN-L)
1532-7027
DOI: 10.1080/10410230902804125
OpenAlex: W2059131762
Cited by: 177
References: 38
Citations by year: 2026: 6 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 22 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 21 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 5
FWCI: 12.75
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Health Communication (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Topics: Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare
Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Risk Perception and Management
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Keywords: intolerance of uncertainty, situational uncertainty, information seeking, worry, uncertainty communication, health information, health behavior
MeSH terms: Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Motivation, Health Behavior, Intention, Uncertainty, Consumer Health Information

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A Little Uncertainty Goes a Long Way: State and Trait Differences in Uncertainty Interact to Increase Information Seeking but Also Increase Worry

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