A meta-analysis of the relation of intolerance of uncertainty to symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and obsessive–compulsive disorder
Research highlights
► Past findings on association of IU to anxiety and mood disorders are inconsistent. ► Intolerance of uncertainty is associated with GAD, MDD, and OCD. ► Strength of association depends on IU measure and population sampled.
Section snippets
Literature search
Relevant studies were identified via PsycINFO searches through August 2010 using combinations of the following keywords: uncertainty, intolerance of ambiguity, tolerance for ambiguity, tolerance of ambiguity WITH generalized anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, GAD, worry, depression, major depressive disorder, rumination, obsessive compulsive disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, OCD, and obsession. Searches were limited to studies that were written in English, sampled from adult
Results
Effect sizes have been converted from Fisher's Z values back to r values for clarity of presentation.
Discussion
The current paper estimated the relationship of IU to symptoms of GAD, MDD, and OCD using two separate definitions of IU, one developed in relation to GAD and operationalized by scores on the IUS, and a second developed in relation to OCD and operationalized by scores on the OBQ. Using both definitions, IU was found to be significantly related to symptoms of GAD, MDD, and OCD. Thus, according to established guidelines for etiological specificity (Garber & Hollon, 1991), IU did not demonstrate
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Cited by (0)
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References marked with an asterisk indicate studies included in the meta-analysis.