Psychometric Properties of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) in a Lithuanian-speaking population

Augustinas Rotomskis

doi:10.5334/jeps.bp

Abstract

Research suggests that intolerance of uncertainty may be important in understanding worry and may play a key role in the etiology and maintenance of worry. Intolerance of uncertainty is measured using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), which has been shown to be reliable and valid in many studies. The aim of the present study was to develop a Lithuanian version of this instrument. 228 university students completed the scale. The Lithuanian version of the IUS was found to have good psychometric properties. The IUS showed high internal consistency and good test-retest reliability over a five-week period, and good convergent and divergent validity when assessed with measures of trait anxiety, situational anxiety, and depression. Factor analysis indicated that the IUS has a two-factor structure that represents the beliefs that “uncertainty about the future is unfair” and that “uncertainty has negative behavioral and self-referent implications”. In conclusion, it was found that the Lithuanian version of the IUS is a sound scale for assessing intolerance of uncertainty.

Highlights

Over the past two decades a number of cognitive behavioral models have been proposed
Objectives The present study, which assesses the Lithuanian version of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), followed a similar procedure to that used in the validation of the French version
Independent samples t-tests were used to test whether there were any differences between men and women on the IUS

Summary

Introduction

Over the past two decades a number of cognitive behavioral models have been proposed. Rotomskis: Psychometric Properties of the IUS four beliefs: (a) uncertainty leads to the inability to act; (b) uncertainty is stressful and upsetting; (c) unexpected events are negative and should be avoided; and (d) being uncertain about the future is unfair (Buhr & Dugas, 2002). Despite these initial findings, the specific beliefs about uncertainty identified in the Freeston et al (1994) and Buhr and Dugas (2002) exploratory factor analyses have not been consistently derived or confirmed. The present study will examine the psychometric properties of a Lithuanian translation of the IUS in order to establish its reliability and validity

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion