Anxiety and Depression Symptoms and Certainty in Negative Future Predictions: The Role of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Perseverative Thought

Isabella Glennon ’25, Biology & Psychology major Faculty mentor: Dr. Emily Gentes, Psychology Understanding the underlying mechanisms of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) — the tendency to experience discomfort when faced with an uncertain future — and perseverative thought (PT) — characterized by repetitive, negative thinking such as rumination — plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of anxiety and depression. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anxiety and depression symptoms and the roles of IU and PT, particularly in relation to the development of certainty in negative future predictions.