Worry and intolerance of uncertainty: An empirical investigation of the symptoms and processes maintaining generalised anxiety disorder

Wilson, Emily J.

Worry and intolerance of uncertainty: An empirical investigation of the symptoms and processes maintaining generalised anxiety disorder

Wilson, Emily J.

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Publication Type:: Thesis
Issue Date:: 2025

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Wilson, Emily J.
dc.date.accessioned	2026-03-22T22:44:04Z
dc.date.available	2026-03-22T22:44:04Z
dc.date.issued	2025
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/194400
dc.description	University of Technology Sydney. Graduate School of Health.	en_US.UTF-8
dc.description.abstract	Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterised by excessive, uncontrollable worry and is commonly treated with cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT). Yet, remission rates remain modest, underscoring the need to refine interventions by targeting mechanisms that sustain worry. One key mechanism is intolerance of uncertainty (IU). This thesis pursued four aims: (1) to improve measurement of worry in adults with GAD; (2) to clarify psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between IU and worry; (3) to review the effectiveness of interventions in reducing IU; and (4) to evaluate a brief IU-focused intervention in GAD. A mixed-methods approach was used, including three empirical studies and a systematic review with meta-analysis. Study 1 validated three versions of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Study 2 employed path analysis to test models of IU, finding limited support for cognitive avoidance and positive beliefs about worry as impacting the relationship between IU and worry. Study 3 demonstrated, through meta-analysis, that psychological interventions effectively reduce IU and worry. Study 4 trialled a brief intervention delivered via teleconference aimed at targeting IU, and showed significant improvements in worry, IU, physiological tension, safety behaviours, and avoidance. Collectively, findings highlight IU as a critical treatment target and support brief, accessible approaches for improving outcomes in GAD.	en_US.UTF-8
dc.format	Thesis (PhD)
dc.language.iso	en_US	en_US.UTF-8
dc.relation	https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/194400/1/thesis.pdf
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.rights	The author owns the copyright in this thesis including all reproduction and reuse rights for the work. The work may not be altered without the permission of the copyright owner. Attribution is essential when quoting or paraphrasing from this thesis.
dc.rights	© 2025 Emily J. Wilson
dc.rights	au.edu.uts.lib/cph
dc.title	Worry and intolerance of uncertainty: An empirical investigation of the symptoms and processes maintaining generalised anxiety disorder	en_US.UTF-8
dc.type	Thesis
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*

Abstract:

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterised by excessive, uncontrollable worry and is commonly treated with cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT). Yet, remission rates remain modest, underscoring the need to refine interventions by targeting mechanisms that sustain worry. One key mechanism is intolerance of uncertainty (IU). This thesis pursued four aims: (1) to improve measurement of worry in adults with GAD; (2) to clarify psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between IU and worry; (3) to review the effectiveness of interventions in reducing IU; and (4) to evaluate a brief IU-focused intervention in GAD. A mixed-methods approach was used, including three empirical studies and a systematic review with meta-analysis. Study 1 validated three versions of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Study 2 employed path analysis to test models of IU, finding limited support for cognitive avoidance and positive beliefs about worry as impacting the relationship between IU and worry. Study 3 demonstrated, through meta-analysis, that psychological interventions effectively reduce IU and worry. Study 4 trialled a brief intervention delivered via teleconference aimed at targeting IU, and showed significant improvements in worry, IU, physiological tension, safety behaviours, and avoidance. Collectively, findings highlight IU as a critical treatment target and support brief, accessible approaches for improving outcomes in GAD.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/194400