Evaluation of hierarchical model of trait and disorder- specific intolerance of uncertainty in anxiety disorder symptoms
Abstract Background: Research suggests that Intolerance of Uncertainty is a transdiagnostic risk and maintaining factor in anxiety disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hierarchical model of trait Intolerance of Uncertainty and disorder-specific Intolerance of Uncertainty in symptoms of anxiety disorders in Iranian university students.Methods: Participants (N = 561) completed a battery of questionnaires which assess intolerance of uncertainty, disorder-specific intolerance of uncertainty, metacognition beliefs, fear of negative evaluation, obsessive cognitions, agoraphobic cognitions, obsessive compulsive symptoms, generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, social phobia symptoms, and panic disorder symptoms. Results: Results showed hierarchical model of trait Intolerance of Uncertainty and disorder-specific Intolerance of Uncertainty fit with data. Trait intolerance of uncertainty and disorder-specific intolerance of uncertainty had significant direct and indirect association with various cognitive vulnerabilities and symptoms of anxiety disorders. Conclusion: The findings showed trait intolerance of uncertainty and disorder-specific intolerance of uncertainty have significant contribution to various anxiety disorders. These findings have important implications in conceptualization, prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders.