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Published on: September 16, 2015
Intolerance of Uncertainty: A Temporary Experimental Induction Procedure.
Oriana Mosca1, Marco Lauriola1, R Nicholas Carleton2
1Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Rome, Italy.
This study developed a lab method to experimentally increase intolerance of uncertainty (IU), finding it led to more worry and negative feelings. This supports the Intolerance of Uncertainty Model in non-clinical individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a key factor in anxiety disorders.
- Previous research on IU has been largely cross-sectional or focused on clinical populations.
- The Intolerance of Uncertainty Model provides a framework for understanding IU's role in psychopathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an experimental procedure for laboratory manipulation of IU.
- To test mediation hypotheses related to the Intolerance of Uncertainty Model.
- To investigate the effects of experimentally induced IU on worry and affect in a non-clinical sample.
Main Methods:
- Undergraduate volunteers (N=212) participated in two studies.
- Participants provided a negative life event, and state intolerance of uncertainty, worry, and affect were measured.
- An experimental manipulation involved participants reading statements designed to increase or decrease IU.
Main Results:
- The IU manipulation reliably altered state IU.
- Increased IU instructions led to greater state IU, worry, and negative affect compared to decreasing IU instructions.
- State IU mediated the effect of IU induction on worry and negative affect.
Conclusions:
- The experimental procedure for manipulating IU is feasible and effective in non-clinical samples.
- Findings support the Intolerance of Uncertainty Model by demonstrating that induced IU predicts subsequent worry and negative affect.
- Results parallel clinical research, suggesting the model's applicability across different populations.
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