Uncertainty and test anxiety: Psychometric properties of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale – 12 (IUS-12) among university students

Abstract

Test anxiety is common among university students and more effective interventions are needed. The Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) model underpins an effective intervention for anxiety. IU is the propensity to react negatively to uncertainty. The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale – 12 (IUS-12) is the most common scale for measuring IU. This study examined for the first time the factor structure of the IUS-12 in UK samples, and explored the relationship between IU and trait and state test anxiety. Factor analyses supported a bifactor model with a robust and reliable general IU factor, which was replicated across two samples. IU was strongly associated with both trait and state test anxiety.