Intolerance of uncertainty as the vulnerability factor among parents of childhood cancer survivors: A 3-month follow-up study

Abstract

Purpose: In a 3-month follow-up study, we assessed the intolerance of uncertainty in 61 parents of a childhood cancer survivor. The objective was to compare its prevalence over time. We tested these parents twice i.e., at treatment completion (time 1) and 3 months later (time 2). We hypothesized that this personality factor stayed stable and had aversive effects on cognitive processes.

Findings: Noticeable intolerance of uncertainty rates were found. At both assessments, results showed that this factor was central in the development of excessive worries, poor problem orientation, rumination, cognitive avoidance and positive beliefs about worry. Repeated measures revealed a decrease for anxiety and cognitive avoidance, and an increased level for somatic symptoms.

Conclusions: Parents who are intolerant of uncertainty are at risk to display dysfunctional behaviors over time. Sensitizing health care professionals to the identification of this factor and its associated difficulties is essential for the implementation of efficient intervention strategies.

Keywords: Stroop test; anxiety; childhood cancer survivor; intolerance of uncertainty; parents; somatic symptoms.