Intolerance of Uncertainty and Dyadic Adjustment among Individuals with Anxiety

The degree of anxiety exhibited by one or both partners can impair the quality of a romantic relationship. The present study examined the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty (IU), anxiety sensitivity (AS) and dyadic adjustment among adults with anxiety. Additionally, researchers explored whether anxiety correlates (i.e., IU, anxiety severity/sensitivity) were differentially associated with distinct aspects of romantic relationship functioning and specific anxiety disorder. Participants (N = 185, 50.8% male, Mage = 35.68) underwent structured clinical interviews to assess the presence of psychiatric disorders. Subsequently, participants completed self-report measures including the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Results indicated that IU was directly associated with dyadic adjustment and did not significantly moderate the link between AS and dyadic adjustment. The association between IU and dyadic adjustment was primarily driven by the satisfaction and consensus subscales. Furthermore, disorder-specific patterns in dyadic adjustment were observed. Results demonstrated IU as a unique contributor to poor intimate interpersonal functioning among individuals with anxiety. Findings suggest that future research must focus on understanding the interplay between internalized and social factors in the maintenance of functional impairment among individuals with anxiety.