How well do you cope with uncertainty?
How well do you cope with uncertainty?
Whether it’s facing climate change, waiting for the next Brexit blow, trying for a baby or anticipating exam results, we all have to endure periods of uncertainty in life. Complete this questionnaire to find out what your “intolerance of uncertainty” is, and what that means for how you can better cope with life’s limbos.
Whether it’s facing climate change, waiting for the next Brexit blow, trying for a baby or anticipating exam results, we all have to endure periods of uncertainty in life. Complete this questionnaire to find out what your “intolerance of uncertainty” is, and what that means for how you can better cope with life’s limbos.
Unforeseen events upset me greatly
It frustrates me not having all the information I need
Uncertainty keeps me from living a full life
One should always look ahead so as to avoid surprises
A small unforeseen event can spoil everything
When it's time to act, uncertainty paralyses me
When I am uncertain I can't function very well
I always want to know what the future has in store for me
I can't stand being taken by surprise
The smallest doubt can stop me from acting
I should be able to organise everything in advance
I must get away from all uncertain situations
You really don’t like living in limbo
You really don’t like living in limbo
Your score reveals you have a high “intolerance for uncertainty”. The good news is, evidence suggests this is something that we can change. Begin by making note of the “safety behaviours” you use to cope when you don’t know how things will turn out, and consider whether these actually help or make matters worse. Then attempt to reduce these little by little. For more coping strategies, read the feature in the link below.
You see the silver linings
You see the silver linings
Your score indicates that you fall in the middle of the range of what psychologists refer to as “intolerance of uncertainty”, so sometimes you may feel anxious about not knowing while awaiting significant news, but other times you are able to take it in stride. One way to ensure that life’s limbos don’t get you down is to try to find a silver lining in the outcome you aren’t necessarily rooting for. That will help you better cope should things not go your way. To learn more about how we vary in our ability to deal with uncertainty – and find more tips for coping, read the feature in the link below.
You take it all in stride
You take it all in stride
Your score results suggest you have a low “intolerance for uncertainty”, so you are able to deal with periods of limbo without catastrophising or becoming overly anxious. To learn more about how we vary in our ability to cope with uncertainty – and find tips for coping, if there are moments where life’s limbos cause anxiety – read the feature in the link below.
How well do you cope with uncertainty?