Uncertainty is woven into the fabric of human experience. All types of experiences involve some degree of uncertainty. Given the pervasiveness of uncertainty in daily life, individual differences how people think, behave, and feel about uncertainty matters. Some respond to uncertainty with fear and anxiety while others respond to uncertainty with curiosity and interest. The current project focused on two responses to uncertainty: intolerance of uncertainty and curiosity. The three main aims were to examine the relationship between these constructs directly, to investigate their unique contributions to outcomes of wellbeing and general psychological distress, and to examine cognitive appraisals associated with proximate outcomes of worry and interest. A large online adult sample (N = 413) completed self-report measures of IU, curiosity, personality, well-being, and general psychological distress symptoms. Participants also completed a novel vignette-based task of hypothetical future scenarios that varied in degree of uncertainty and pleasantness. IU was inversely associated with only some of the hypothesized curiosity dimensions. After accounting for personality traits, trait IU explained an additional 15% of the variance in general psychological distress, and trait curiosity explained an additional 16% of the variance in wellbeing. Each reflects a small but noteworthy additional contribution to these outcomes. For uncertain situations only, coping potential demonstrated a modest moderation effect of the appraisal of uncertainty on worry and interest, in support of project hypotheses. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.

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Several models of anxiety in autistic adults have focused on the role of intolerance of uncertainty which has biological and evolutionary bases, as a cognitive explanation for the high prevalence of anxiety in autism. This framework suggests that all people are born with a healthy level of intolerance of uncertainty, and as we develop, this intolerance is lessened as we learn when situations are safe and begin to understand and manage the uncertainty. This process of learning about managing uncertainty does not happen in the same way in those who are high in autistic traits, which could be the reason for the high levels of anxiety symptoms commonly seen in this population. We conducted two path analyses to examine the role of intolerance of uncertainty in anxiety in autistic adults. The first model tested the idea that intolerance of uncertainty, an evolutionary phenomenon common for all people, could explain some of the cognitive aspects of anxiety in autism. The second model suggests that primary neurodevelopmental differences associated with autistic traits underlie the sensory sensitivity and sensory seeking behaviors, which in turn increase intolerance of uncertainty and subsequent anxiety. We found that the “neurodevelopmental” model had better model fit than the “evolutionary stress” model, suggesting that the neurodevelopmental impact of higher levels of autistic traits could moderate a neurotypical trajectory of learning to manage uncertainty as children develop and understand that uncertainty is common and acceptable.

Sensory processing challenges are common and often difficult for children on the autism spectrum and can affect some neurotypical children. Furthermore, sensory processing atypicalities are associated with autistic traits and other co-occurring behaviors associated with autism, such as intolerance of uncertainty. As such, traits common to autism may vary continuously across diagnostic boundaries (i.e., Broad Autism Phenotype). Working to uncover behavioral and neurophysiologic correlates of sensory differences could positively impact clinical support of children with and without a diagnosis of autism. Therefore, this study examined relationships between sensory processing, intolerance of uncertainty (a possible measure of prediction), autistic traits, and associated resting state brain connectivity, in autistic (n=30) and neurotypical (NT; n=26) children ages 6-11. To this end, we calculated the relationships between behavioral scores on measures related to sensory processing, intolerance of uncertainty, and autistic traits. Also, we carried out independent component network functional connectivity analysis to investigate associations between cortical and cerebellar networks and behavioral results. Autistic participants presented with significant correlations of sensory processing with autistic traits and sensory processing with intolerance of uncertainty. Neurotypical participants presented with significant correlations of autistic traits with sensory processing and autistic traits with intolerance of uncertainty. Between groups correlations demonstrated sensory processing and intolerance of uncertainty scores overlapping and spanning the groups. Brain (rs-fMRI)--behavioral relationships regarding the above were also examined revealing strong associations between sensory and cerebellar networks and behavioral scores. Overall, our findings suggest that sensory differences may be related to altered prediction abilities and, in NT children, autistic traits. Neurophysiologic data pointed to abnormal functional connectivity between sensory cortices and the cerebellum in autistic children. These findings provide evidence for the notion of the BAP and suggest a role of prediction in sensory processing and its behavioral correlates.

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are known to experience higher levels of sensory processing differences as well as anxiety, compared to the neurotypical population (NT). Both theory and evidence suggest that there is an interrelationship between sensory processing, anxiety and fear, and prediction abilities in autism. However, much more remains to be discovered about their relationship and especially underlying neural mechanisms. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to examine the behavioral relationship between sensory processing, fear and anxiety, prediction, and related brain activity in autistic children. To this end, 30 autistic children (ages 6-11 years) and 25 age-matched peers participated in a resting-state fMRI as well as various behavioral assessments of sensory processing, anxiety, fear, and intolerance of uncertainty (i.e., as an indirect measure of prediction). Between groups comparisons showed higher levels of sensory processing difference, fear/anxiety, sensory processing differences, and intolerance of uncertainty in autistic children when compared to NT controls. Among autistic children, a mediation analysis also revealed that intolerance of uncertainty was a significant mediator between sensory processing differences and both anxiety and fear, supporting past research and suggesting a role of prediction in this relationship. Network connectivity findings showed that cerebellar, higher order sensory, and limbic regions were significantly correlated with anxiety, sensory processing, and intolerance of uncertainty. These results add information concerning the neurophysiologic underpinnings of anxiety/fear, sensory processing, and prediction to prior research focusing on behavioral relationships between these constructs. These results have the potential to inform future clinical practice, demonstrating the need for a predictable clinical environment as well as thorough explanation of expected tasks for autistic children who experience sensory processing differences and resulting anxiety. Finally, these findings may suggest that addressing sensory and prediction difficulties has the potential to lead to improvements in anxiety in children with ASD. Addressing these issues through both neurological and/or therapeutic means may be possible in the future.

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The aim of this study was to examine whether three different psychological predictors; Health anxiety (SHAI), Disgust sensitivity (DS-R) and intolerance of uncertainty (IUS-12) could predict COVID-19-related anxiety in students at Orebro University, Sweden. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant relationship between the three psychological behaviors and pandemic-related anxiety. An online survey, consisting of both standardized and non-standardized questionnaires, was constructed. The survey was completed by 199 participants, aged between 19-48 (M = 25.14 and SD = 5.35) from Orebro University, Sweden through Limesurvey. A correlation revealed that Health anxiety and Disgust sensitivity were significantly correlated with COVID-19-related anxiety. The regression analysis revealed that there was a significance between the three psychological behaviors and COVID-19-related anxiety. In conclusion, Health anxiety, Disgust sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty, could indeed be associated with COVID-19-related anxiety in the students. / Syftet med studien är att examinera huruvida tre olika psykologiska beteenden; Health anxiety (SHAI), Disgust sensitivity (DS-R) och Intolerance of uncertainty (IUS-12) kan förutse COVID-19-relaterad ångest i studenter på Örebro Universitet. Det hypotiserades att det skulle finnas en signifikant relation baserat på tidigare studier. En online enkät, med både standardiserade och icke-standardiserade frågeformulär, konstruerades. Antal deltagare som kompletterade enkäten genom Limesurvey var 199 studenter mellan åldrarna 19–48 (M = 25.14 och SD = 5.35) från Örebro Universitet. Genom en korrelationsanalys kunde man se att både Health anxiety och Disgust sensitivity var signifikant korrelerade med COVID-19-relaterad Pandemi. Avslutningsvis, en multipel regressionsanalys visade att Health anxiety, Disgust sensitivity och Intolerance of uncertainty var signifikant relaterat med COVID-19-relaterad ångest i studenterna.

A intolerância à incerteza (IU) é considerada um traço transdiagnóstico referente a crenças negativas sobre a incerteza e suas consequências. Ultimamente, a IU vem sendo associada com diversos transtornos relacionados à ansiedade. A presente dissertação teve o objetivo de realizar a adaptação transcultural e investigar propriedades psicométricas da Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12, Versão Abreviada) para uso no Brasil. O processo de adaptação transcultural foi dividido em sete etapas discutidas no primeiro estudo, onde também são apresentadas evidências de validade de conteúdo da escala. O segundo estudo teve como objetivo acumular evidências de validade de construto através de análise fatorial confirmatória e análise da consistência interna da IUS-12. Além disso, a validade convergente da escala foi avaliada através de suas correlações com instrumentos que medem construtos relacionados. Adicionalmente, são apresentadas normas e diretrizes para interpretação dos escores da escala. Os resultados da Análise Fatorial Confirmatória indicam que a IUS-12 possui estrutura fatorial semelhante a escala original contendo dois fatores: Intolerância à Incerteza Inibitória e Intolerância à Incerteza Prospectiva. Discute-se os demais resultados relativos às propriedades psicométricas da escala no segundo estudo e considera-se a IUS-12 como uma medida válida para a avaliação da intolerância à incerteza na população brasileira. / Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is considered a transdiagnostic factor reflecting negative beliefs about uncertainty and its consequences. IU has been associated with several anxiety-related disorders. The aim of this dissertation was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation and to investigate psychometric properties of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12, Short Version) for use in Brazil. The Cross-cultural adaptation process was divided into seven steps which are discussed in the first study, along with evidence of content validity of the scale. The second study aimed to accumulate evidence of construct validity throughout Confirmatory Factor Analysis and internal consistency analysis. In addition, a convergent validity was assessed through its correlations with measures of related constructs. Furthermore, norms and guidelines for scores interpretation are presented. The results of the Confirmatory Factorial Analysis indicate that the IUS-12 has a factorial structure similar to the original scale comprising two factors: Inhibitory IU and Prospective IU. Further results regarding psychometric properties of the scale are discussed in the second study. The IUS-12 appears to be a valid measure for assessment of intolerance to uncertainty in the Brazilian population.

Cette recherche ancrée dans la réalité subjective de sujets tout venant, est une exploration des réactions émotionnelles en situation d’incertitude, dans le contexte du phénomène d’intolérance à l’incertitude. Deux contributions qui seront complémentaires l’une de l’autre, vont être présentées afin d’en proposer une modélisation. La première, quantitative, selon l’éclairage apporté par les modèles cognitifs de l’émotion, les modèles multiniveaux et dimensionnels et à l’aide de questionnaires traités par des analyses statistiques, a mis en évidence le rôle de l’attachement, de la régulation émotionnelle et de l’intensité affective dans le mode de fonctionnement émotionnel des sujets intolérants à l’incertitude.La seconde contribution, qualitative, à partir d’entretiens semi-directifs, dans une approche fonctionnelle et relationnelle des émotions, dans une première analyse sémio-pragmatique nous a amenée à proposer une modélisation dans laquelle nous observons deux voies : l’une qui semble plus couteuse pour le sujet intolérant à l’incertitude avec des manifestations somatiques, des difficultés à prendre des décisions, l’autre plus courte, permettant une maîtrise de la situation, par un traitement cognitif dans une recherche active de solution, ou par une acceptation des évènements, dans une certaine mise à distance. Une seconde analyse des entretiens à l’aide du logiciel Tropes, a permis de montrer les différences de modes d’adaptations en situation d’incertitude, entre les sujets intolérants vs tolérants et notamment le rôle du stress. Nous avons pu montrer que le stress semble occuper une place d’actant dans la problématique du sujet intolérant. / This research, anchored in the subjective reality of a random sample of individuals, is an exploration of emotional reactions in situations of uncertainty, in the context of the phenomenon of intolerance to uncertainty. Two contributions which will be complementary to each other, will be presented in order to propose a model. The first, quantitative, was founded on multi-level and dimensional cognitive models of emotion, and used data from questionnaires. The statistical analyses of the results highlighted the role of attachment, emotional regulation and emotional intensity in the emotional functioning of subjects intolerant of uncertainty.The second qualitative contribution was based on semi-directive interviews, in a functional and relational approach to emotions. A first semio-pragmatic analysis led us to propose a model in which we observe two paths: one that seems more emotionally costly for those intolerant to uncertainty, leading to physical symptoms and difficulties to make decisions, the other shorter, allowing more control over the situation, through cognitive procesing in an active search for solutions, or by the acceptance of events, which creates a distancing of the individual from the situation. A second analysis of the interviews using the Tropes software package, showed the differences in subjects’ adjustement styles in situations of uncertainty, between intolerant vs tolerant subjects and notably the role of stress. We were able to show that stress seems to occupy a place of actant in the problematic of the intolerant subject.