Intolerance of Uncertainty and Psychological Distress among Emerging Adults

This study examined the association between intolerance of uncertainty and psychological distress among emerging adults aged 18-29 years. A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational design was used with online convenience sampling. Of 181 survey submissions, one record was excluded because age was missing and one because the respondent was aged 17 years; a further 18 respondents who reported a previous mental-health diagnosis were excluded. The final analytical sample comprised 161 participants (M age = 23.60, SD = 3.09; 67.1% women). Intolerance of uncertainty was measured with the 12-item Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12), and nonspecific psychological distress with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Mean IUS-12 and K10 scores were 32.11 (SD = 9.44) and 24.31 (SD = 8.09), respectively. Internal consistency estimates were .887 and .913. Pearson's correlation indicated a positive association between IUS-12 and K10 scores, r(159) = .632, p < .001, 95% CI [.529, .717]. Spearman's correlation was also positive and significant (rs = .595, p < .001, 95% bootstrap CI [.475, .699]). Higher intolerance of uncertainty was associated with greater self-reported psychological distress in this sample. The cross-sectional design, convenience sampling, self-report measures, and diagnosis-based screening limit causal inference and generalisability.