Psychologists discuss strategies for managing uncertainty

Psychology experts suggest that developing the ability to handle uncertainty is a fundamental skill for improving quality of life. Michel Dugas, a professor at the University of Québec in Outaouais, notes that uncertainty is an inherent part of relationships, health, and finances.

Nick Carleton, a professor at the University of Regina, explains that discomfort with uncertainty exists on a continuum. While a degree of caution is evolutionarily beneficial, excessive fear can be limiting.

Research led by Jeroen van Baar at the Boston University School of Public Health examined 137 studies on “intolerance of uncertainty” among college students. The findings indicate that average scores for intolerance have risen substantially since the 1990s, with researchers suggesting that smartphones may contribute to the desire for immediate information.