The Turkish adaptation and psychometric characteristics of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Index-A for Children

Abstract

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a cognitive factor linked to various mental health disorders, especially anxiety, in children and adolescents. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Intolerance of Uncertainty Index-A for Children (IUI-A-C) into Turkish. A sample of 552 participants aged 10 to 19 years (M = 13.84, SD = 2.29) completed the Turkish version of the IUI-A-C and measures of anxiety. The study assessed confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency reliability, criterion validity, item discrimination, and test-retest reliability. The adapted scale showed good psychometric properties, with confirmatory factor analysis indicating a good fit to the data. Internal consistency reliability was adequate (Cronbach's alpha = .73), and criterion validity was supported by a moderate positive correlation with anxiety measures. Item discrimination analysis demonstrated the scale's ability to differentiate between high and low levels of IU, and test-retest reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = .92). Thus, the Turkish IUI-A-C is a valid and reliable tool for assessing IU in children and adolescents. (Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 89[2], 134-153)