The Relationship Between Tolerance of Ambiguity and Stereotyping: Implications for BSW Education

Abstract

Ambiguity tolerance and intolerance can influence one’s professional practice. The study of such influences remains sparse within the social work literature. Behaviors that reduce uncertainty, including categorizing or stereotyping, are used by those who feel discomfort in ambiguous situations. This study explores explore the relationship between Tolerance of Ambiguity and Acceptance of Stereotyping. Results of survey responses from 238 undergraduate students indicate that those less tolerant of ambiguity are more accepting of the use of stereotyping in everyday situations. Implications for social work education including the development of student self-awareness of discomfort in uncertainty, emergence of stereotyping behavior, and professional socialization of common attitudes toward and use of ambiguity in practice are discussed.