Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
11:18

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat

Published on: September 12, 2014

Does it feel certain enough? Intolerance of uncertainty predicts checking behavior through 'not just right'

Helmut Appel1, André Mattes2, Alexander L Gerlach1

  • 1Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Pohligstr. 1, Cologne 50969, Germany.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
|February 5, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) increases distress from "not just right" experiences (NJREs), leading to longer checking behaviors in anxiety and OCD patients. NJREs mediate this link, highlighting their role in maintaining pathological safety behaviors.

Keywords:
Intolerance of uncertaintyOCDanxiety disorderscheckingincompletenessnot just rightsafety behavior

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