Confirmatory factor analysis of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (short form) in India

Abstract

Intolerance of uncertainty, generally measured through the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale - Short form (IUS-12), is a significant trans-diagnostic characteristic determining anxiety disorders and depression. Nevertheless, there are fewer studies on the factor structure of intolerance of uncertainty in non-western countries. In the present study, using confirmatory factor analysis, we studied the factor structure, measurement invariance, and psychometrics of the IUS-12 (Hindi version) on a sample of 862 college students (age: M = 21.42, SD = 3.1) in India. Results show that whereas the different models (i.e. the single-factor, the correlated two-factor, the truncated bi-factor, and the full bi-factor models) were a good fit with the data, the full bi-factor model was the best fitting model. The general factor was a stable and reliable construct that explained most of the variance and, thereby, showed the unidimensionality of the scale. In addition, there was strong measurement invariance in the IUS-12 across gender. Thus, the present study supports the reliability and validity of the IUS-12 and indicates cross-cultural validity of the intolerance of uncertainty. We have also discussed the implications of higher intolerance of uncertainty in India.