Depression and Intolerance of Uncertainty: Relations between Uncertainty Subfactors and Depression Dimensions

Abstract

Depression is often modeled as a unidimensional construct despite evidence for distinct symptom dimensions (i.e., cognitive, affective, and somatic symptoms). Intolerance of uncertainty (IU; a cognitive bias that increases distress in uncertain situations) is a risk factor implicated in the development of depression. However, it is unclear how IU lower-order dimensions (i.e., inhibitory IU, the fear of future unpredictable events; prospective IU, avoidance due to fear of uncertain events) relate to depressive symptoms. The current study used confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to examine the relations between depressive symptoms and lower-order dimensions of IU in a sample of 374 adults (M age = 35.5, 54.3% female) with elevated psychopathology (89.2% meeting criteria for at least one DSM-5 diagnosis, 25.6% primary depressive disorder). A two-factor model of depression, composed of Cognitive and Affective/Somatic factors, provided superior model fit compared to one- and three-factor solutions. A bifactor model of IU, composed of a general IU factor and specific Inhibitory IU and Prospective IU factors, provided superior model fit compared to one- and two-factor solutions. The general IU factor related to both Cognitive and Affective/Somatic factors. Inhibitory IU related to the Cognitive factor, but not the Affective/Somatic factor. Prospective IU was not related to Cognitive or Affective/Somatic factors. These findings elucidate the relations between IU and depression symptoms and have important theoretical implications regarding the etiology of depressive symptoms. In particular, inhibitory IU may be a novel target for intervention efforts in individuals presenting with depressive symptoms.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Military Suicide Research Consortium (MSRC), funded through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs under Grant W81XWH-10-2-0181/FSU 030969.

Notes on contributors

Kevin G. Saulnier

Kevin G. Saulnier is a PhD candidate at Ohio University.

Nicholas P. Allan

Nicholas P. Allan, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at Ohio University.

Amanda M. Raines

Amanda M. Raines, PhD, is a Core Research Investigator with the South Central MIRECC and the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System in New Orleans.

Norman B. Schmidt

Norman B. Schmidt, PhD, is a Distinguished Research Professor at Florida State University, and is the Director of the Anxiety and Behavioral Health Clinic