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Intolerance of uncertainty causally affects indecisiveness
Helmut Appel1, Alexander L Gerlach1
1Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|March 11, 2025
Summary
Increased intolerance of uncertainty (IU) directly causes greater indecisiveness. This study experimentally demonstrates the causal link between IU and difficulty making decisions, impacting mental health.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a key negative reaction to uncertainty and a transdiagnostic risk factor for mental disorders.
- IU is linked to indecisiveness, a difficulty in decision-making, which also correlates with various mental health conditions.
- Previous research suggests IU causes indecisiveness, but experimental evidence was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the causal relationship between intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and indecisiveness.
- To determine if manipulating IU levels affects an individual's ability to make decisions.
- To explore the role of situational IU in mediating this effect.
Main Methods:
- A pre-registered study with 301 participants.
- Experimental manipulation of IU (increase, decrease, or control).
- Assessment of indecisiveness in personally relevant situational contexts.
Main Results:
- The manipulation successfully altered participants' levels of IU.
- Increased IU led to significantly higher indecisiveness compared to decreased IU.
- Situational IU was found to mediate the impact of the experimental manipulation on indecisiveness.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first experimental evidence for a causal link between IU and indecisiveness.
- Findings elucidate the role of uncertainty management in decision-making difficulties.
- Results highlight IU's significance in the transdiagnostic nature of indecisiveness and inform mental health treatments.
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