Psychometric Properties of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) in a Chinese-Speaking Population

Abstract

Studies have shown that the intolerance of uncertainty may play a key role in the aetiology and maintenance of worry and generalized anxiety disorder. This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), which had already been validated in French and English versions. In a large college student sample (N = 940), the factor analysis and regression analyses were performed on the IUS. The IUS had excellent internal consistency (α = 0.90) and good test-retest reliability (r = 0.75) over a 5-week period. Factor analysis showed that the IUS had a four-factor solution. Finally, the regression analysis demonstrated that IU contributed significantly to worry, after controlling for demographic variables and levels of anxiety and depression. The Chinese version of the IUS was a sound scale for assessing IU and the intolerance of uncertainty was an important influencing factor on worry.