Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) Test
How the Scales are Structured
Who Usually Takes This Test?
See How You Compare
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.
Example Questions From the Test
- Not at all characteristic of me
- Not very characteristic of me
- Sometimes characteristic of me, sometimes not
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Entirely characteristic of me
- Not at all characteristic of me
- Mostly uncharacteristic of me
- Sometimes characteristic, sometimes not
- Mostly characteristic of me
- Entirely characteristic of me
- Not at all characteristic of me
- Slightly characteristic of me
- Sometimes characteristic of me, sometimes not
- Somewhat characteristic of me
- Entirely characteristic of me
Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) Test - Description and methodology of the test
People who become tense when plans change, information is incomplete, or decisions lack guarantees may use the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) Test to examine these reactions. This intolerance of uncertainty questionnaire is intended for people seeking a structured view of how ambiguity affects emotions, rest, productivity, and action. The profile highlights patterns worth reflecting on in everyday life.
What This Assessment Explores
Six dimensions define this intolerance of uncertainty assessment:
- Disorganization (1-5) measures disorder: Comfort with ambiguity (1-2.3); Some need for structure (2.4-3.6); Strong need for order (3.7-5).
- Source of Stress (1-5) measures stress: Low stress from uncertainty (1-2.3); Moderate stress from uncertainty (2.4-3.6); High stress from uncertainty (3.7-5).
- Interference With Productivity (1-5) measures impact: Low impact (1-2.3); Moderate impact (2.4-3.6); High impact (3.7-5).
- Inability to Relax (1-5) measures tension: Easier to unwind (1-2.4); Mixed tension (2.5-3.4); Hard to relax (3.5-5).
- Inability to Act (1-5) measures action difficulty: Low difficulty acting (1-2.3); Moderate difficulty acting (2.4-3.6); High difficulty acting (3.7-5).
- Intolerance of Uncertainty (1-5) measures discomfort: Low (1-2.3); Moderate (2.4-3.6); High (3.7-5).
Methodology and Scientific Basis
Each item is a first-person statement about uncertainty, future events, planning, sleep, emotion, or action. Five ordered responses run from “not at all characteristic” to “entirely characteristic,” capturing degrees of fit rather than yes-or-no answers.
Results are presented as dimensional scores across the six domains. The online questionnaire does not document how individual answers are weighted, so its ranges cannot reconstruct a point-by-point scoring rule. The supplied bands indicate lower, middle, or higher positions within each domain; they are not established clinical cutoffs.
The method is self-report and conceptually consistent with Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS; Buhr & Dugas, 2002), but this online uncertainty scale test is not presented as an adaptation of that published instrument. Freeston et al. (1994) connected intolerance of uncertainty with worry, and Sexton and Dugas (2009) supported distinct negative beliefs about uncertainty. The questionnaire has no documented standardized administration or norms. Current stress, self-awareness, and response style can influence results, so the profile is best read as a reflection of present patterns, not a diagnosis.
- Buhr, K., & Dugas, M. J. (2002). The intolerance of uncertainty scale: Psychometric properties of the English version. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 40(8), 931-945. 10.1016/S0005-7967(01)00092-4
- Freeston, M. H., Rhéaume, J., Letarte, H., Dugas, M. J., & Ladouceur, R. (1994). Why do people worry? Personality and Individual Differences, 17(6), 791-802. 10.1016/0191-8869(94)90048-5
- Sexton, K. A., & Dugas, M. J. (2009). Defining distinct negative beliefs about uncertainty: Validating the factor structure of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Psychological Assessment, 21(2), 176-186. 10.1037/a0015827
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