Psychometric properties of a Dutch version of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale

Abstract

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is thought to play a key role in the development and maintenance of worry and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). The present study investigated the psychometric properties of the Dutch translation of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), the most frequently employed scale for measuring IU. The factor analysis of the IUS pointed in the direction of a one-factor solution. Furthermore, the Dutch IUS portrayed excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Tests of construct validity showed that the Dutch IUS correlated significantly more strongly with worry than with depression. The regression analysis demonstrated that IU contributed significantly to worry, after controlling for demographic variables and levels of anxiety and depression. In addition, it was demonstrated that the IUS successfully discriminated between patients with GAD and other anxiety disorders, and non-clinical participants. Overall, it seems safe to conclude that the Dutch IUS is a reliable and valid scale for assessing IU. (Netherlands Journal of Psychology, 62, 91-97.)