Uncertainty and test anxiety: Psychometric properties of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale – 12 (IUS-12) among university students. (2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huntley, Christopher D.; Young, Bridget; Tudur Smith, Catrin; Fisher, Peter L.
• Is Part Of: International journal of educational research. Volume 104(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020
• Subjects: Test anxiety -- Intolerance of uncertainty -- IUS-12 -- University -- Students -- Psychometric -- Bifactor model -- ode; Education -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; Curriculum evaluation -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; Program Evaluation -- Periodicals; Éducation -- Évaluation -- Périodiques; Programmes d'études -- Evaluation -- Périodiques; Éducation -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Curriculum evaluation; Education -- Evaluation; Periodicals; 370.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101672
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-0355

Abstract

Highlights: Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale – 12 (IUS-12) assess IU, a risk factor for anxiety There is no evidence for validity of IUS-12 for use in UK student samples We examined IUS-12 factor structure and associations between IU and test anxiety The IUS-12 had a stable and reliable general IU factor IU was associated with both trait and state test anxiety 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.