A randomized Control Trial Examining the Initial Efficacy of an Intolerance of Uncertainty Focused Psychoeducation Intervention

Background and Objectives: Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is an important transdiagnostic risk factor for the development and maintenance of anxiety- and depression-related disorders. Although traditionally targeted within the context of cognitive behavioral treatments, no studies to date have examined the efficacy of IU specific interventions. To this end, the current study aimed to develop and test the initial efficacy of a brief, one-session computerized IU-focused psychoeducation intervention. Method: Student participants (N = 84) were randomly assigned to an active (IU-focused Psychoeducation) or control (Health-focused Psychoeducation) condition and assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, week 1, and week 4. Results: Path analytic modeling found the active condition (compared to the control) led to significant reductions in IU at week 4 follow-up. Mediation analyses revealed a statistically significant indirect effect of condition on change in anxiety and depression symptoms at week 4 via changes in IU. Limitations: Limitations include the use of self-report measures to assess all constructs of interest and a predominantly female sample, possibly limiting generalizability. Conclusions: The current study was the first to provide preliminary evidence that a brief, computerized IU treatment may be effective in reducing fears of uncertainty. This is important given the brevity of our intervention and the prevalence of anxiety and depression.