Date of Award
Fall 2026
Language
English
Embargo Period
10-26-2026
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
College/School/Department
Department of Psychology
Program
Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Julia Hormes
Committee Members
Julia Hormes, Drew Anderson
Keywords
intolerance of uncertainty, trait, state, eating disorders, experimental task
Subject Categories
Clinical Psychology
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is widely conceptualized as a stable and generalized trait, but may manifest differently during situation-specific uncertainty. IU is associated with eating disorders (EDs), yet limited research has explored the interaction between IU and ED symptoms during eating-related uncertainty. The study examined whether the interaction between trait IU and ED symptoms predicted state IU responses to eating-related uncertainty. Method: College students (N = 44) completed measures of trait IU (Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale) and ED symptoms (Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire) before engaging in a behavioral paradigm designed to induce eating-related uncertainty. Participants provided ratings of different dimensions of state IU (state uncertainty, distress about uncertainty, and threat appraisal of uncertainty) pre- and post-consumption of a shake of unknown caloric density. Grams of shake consumed were also measured. Results: There was a significant effect of trait IU on all dimensions of state IU pre-paradigm, such that greater trait IU predicted greater state IU (all p < .05). There was a significant trait IU x ED symptom interaction effect on distress about uncertainty post paradigm such that greater trait IU predicted more distress only among individuals with higher ED symptoms (p < .05). Neither trait IU nor ED symptoms independently predicted any post-paradigm outcome variables. Discussion: Results highlight the importance of exploring momentary, state IU multidimensionally and during domain-specific uncertainty in addition to generalized trait IU, along with individual characteristics such as ED symptom severity. Uncertainty prior to the behavioral task evoked a more potent IU response compared to experiencing uncertainty during consumption, raising methodological considerations for future research that experimentally manipulates eating-related uncertainty.
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Haase, Grace, "Trait Intolerance of Uncertainty and Eating Disorder Symptoms Interact to Predict Distress During Eating-Related Uncertainty" (2026). Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present). 558.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/etd/558