The relationship between worry and intolerance of uncertainty subtypes

David Groves, Laura Clark, Gavin Clark

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective
According to the intolerance of uncertainty model (IUM) of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), four components contribute to the development and maintenance of worry in GAD. They are intolerance of uncertainty (IU), positive beliefs about worry, negative problem orientation, and cognitive avoidance. Recent studies report that the relationship between IU and worry is mediated by positive beliefs about worry and negative problem orientation. The present study examined whether these mediation relationships emerge when the two subtypes of IU, prospective and inhibitory IU, are considered separately.

Method
A convenience sample of 160 members of the Australian public completed an online questionnaire assessing each IUM component, worry, and depression.

Results
Positive beliefs about worry and negative problem orientation mediated the relationship between IU and worry. Only positive beliefs about worry mediated the relationship between prospective IU and worry, while only negative problem orientation mediated the relationship between inhibitory IU and worry.

Conclusions
The results may imply that the two IU subtypes influence worry via differing pathways. The findings have implications for treatments targeting components of the IUM in individuals with GAD and other anxiety disorders.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)132-142
Number of pages11
JournalAustralian Psychologist
Volume55
Issue number2
Early online date17 Jul 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • worry
  • negative problem orientation
  • intolerance of uncertainty
  • generalised anxiety disorder
  • cognitive avoidance
  • positive beliefs about worry

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