Uncertainty and Chronic Illness: Unmasking the Struggles with Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) And Its Implications for the Workplace

The Paradox of Uncertainty

Humans instinctively seek certainty for safety. Our daily routines and long-term decisions aim at minimising the risks and managing the impact of the challenges life throws at us. In itself, this is healthy behaviour. However, this drive for control and predictability can amplify the perception of the unpredictable as an ever increasing threat, leading to an irrational fear of the unknown with significant health and behavioural drawbacks. In Psychology and Medicine, this phenomenon is called Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU).

Understanding Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU)

IU, marked by constant and excessive worry, is a psychological trait that makes the unknown particularly hard to bear and can significantly diminish one’s quality of life. Research across multiple longitudinal and cross-sectional studies has consistently linked higher levels of IU to poorer mental health outcomes, such as increased anxiety, depression, and stress. Paradoxically, the worry intended to increase certainty through planning and anticipating only serves to exacerbate IU. 

For those living with long-term health conditions, IU can magnify the distress associated with their illness. The constant flux of symptoms and treatment efficacy, coupled with the unpredictability of daily capabilities, can make IU particularly debilitating. This can lead to meticulous health monitoring that might spiral into obsessive behaviours.

IU’s Impact on Daily Life and the Workplace

Beyond personal health, IU influences various life decisions, often pushing individuals toward choices that may not align with their true desires or well-being. Possible signs: making numerous lists, planning out every conversation before it happens and avoiding certain social events because there are too many what ifs.

In professional settings, particular thought patterns and behaviours stemming from IU can significantly impact job performance and satisfaction: