Management of Uncertainty

Although uncertainty is a universal experience, its tolerability varies. Uncertainty encompasses what has happened, what will happen, what something means, or what one should do related to health, relationships, careers, identity, and more. Although uncertainty can precipitate fear, anxiety, and distress, it may promote curiosity, learning, hope, and growth. Intolerance of uncertainty reflects a tendency to experience uncertainty as threatening and is associated with several psychiatric conditions. The degree of certainty needed to act depends on the stakes, risk, benefit, and values; requiring certainty can lead to reassurance seeking, rumination, and decision avoidance. Clinicians can assist patients in developing the capacity to act without certainty by acknowledging their own uncertainty, communicating risks clearly, establishing contingency plans, and fostering confidence that uncertainty can be navigated.