The Intolerance Of Uncertainty information handout provides insight into intolerance of uncertainty (IU) in the context of worry and outlines unhelpful strategies often used by individuals with high IU to manage their feelings.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
Uncertainty is a normal part of life; we can never be completely certain about what will happen next. Some individuals embrace uncertainty and seek excitement in their lives. Conversely, others find uncertainty aversive, stressful, or distressing, which can hinder their ability to function effectively in uncertain situations. These individuals may hold negative beliefs about uncertainty and attempt to avoid it, or they may adopt various strategies to try to control or eliminate it. Psychologists refer to these reactions as "intolerance of uncertainty" (IU).
The Intolerance of Uncertainty information handout discusses IU in the context of worry and outlines some unhelpful strategies that those with high IU often use to manage their feelings.
This handout provides an illustrated overview of IU and its implications. Use it to:
Individuals who engage in chronic worry as a means of coping with uncertainty and attempting to predict or control future events.
Clients who experience intrusive thoughts and use compulsions—such as checking or reassurance-seeking—to gain a sense of certainty.
Individuals who may ruminate on uncertain or ambiguous life circumstances, contributing to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
Clients who use rigid eating behaviors or routines to manage anxiety related to uncertainty and gain a sense of control.
Individuals who misinterpret normal bodily sensations and seek excessive reassurance in an effort to eliminate health-related uncertainty.
Clients who fear unpredictable outcomes in social situations and may avoid social engagement due to concerns about ambiguous evaluation by others.
Individuals who experience fear and avoidance of unpredictable bodily sensations, often linked to catastrophic misinterpretations and intolerance of uncertainty.
Use the handout to explain IU to clients.
Explore the impact IU has on the way clients think and behave.
Discuss more helpful ways to manage uncertainty.
Encourage clients to put these strategies into action and assess the results.
Uncertainty is a normal part of life, and we can never be completely sure about what will happen next. Some people embrace uncertainty, while others find it stressful, which can hinder their functioning. This aversion can lead to negative beliefs about uncertainty, resulting in avoidance or attempts to gain control over it. Psychologists call this ‘intolerance of uncertainty,’ which can be likened to a phobia or allergy to uncertainty.
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) was initially identified in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Many behaviors associated with GAD, such as excessive worrying and avoidance, can be viewed as attempts to create a sense of certainty. Worrying involves trying to foresee potential negative consequences, while avoidance, or clinging to what is known and safe, reduces exposure to the unknown. Recent research has recognized intolerance of uncertainty as a transdiagnostic risk factor for various clinical conditions, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders (Carleton et al., 2012; Toffolo et al., 2014; Renjan et al., 2016).
