Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12)
A 12-question short-form measure for understanding how strongly uncertainty, surprises, and incomplete information affect your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Who Is This Test For?
The IUS-12 is for adults who want to understand how they respond to uncertainty and how much it may influence worry, planning, decisions, or avoidance.
- People who feel distressed when outcomes are unclear
- Anyone who over-plans, over-checks, or seeks reassurance to feel certain
- People who feel stuck making decisions because of small doubts
- Anyone preparing to discuss uncertainty-related distress with a professional
For each statement, choose how characteristic it is of you in general.
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, even with the best of planning.
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 organize everything in advance.
I must get away from all uncertain situations.
Turn self-test results into a clearer next step.
Save your results, watch changes over time, and find relevant tools when you need a next step.
- Save your history
- Track changes over time
- Find relevant tools
Retake tests over time to see what changes.
Good To Know
Practice Small Unknowns
Tolerance grows through manageable practice. Try leaving one low-stakes detail undecided, delaying a reassurance check, or choosing without reviewing every possible outcome.
Separate Planning From Certainty
Planning can be useful, but certainty is rarely available. Ask, 'What is enough information for the next step?' instead of waiting until all doubt disappears.
Notice Safety Behaviors
Checking, over-researching, and asking for reassurance can reduce discomfort briefly while keeping uncertainty scary long term. Gently reducing these habits can build confidence.
Understanding the IUS-12
T he IUS-12 is the short form of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. It was developed to reduce completion burden while keeping strong psychometric support and a high correlation with the original 27-item version.
Each item is scored from 1 to 5, from 'not at all characteristic of me' to 'entirely characteristic of me.' Total scores range from 12 to 60. Higher scores indicate more discomfort with uncertainty, surprises, incomplete information, or not being able to predict what will happen.
The bands shown here are non-diagnostic interpretive ranges, not clinical cutoffs. They are meant to help you understand your response pattern, not to diagnose generalized anxiety disorder or any other condition.
There is no single universal population average for the IUS-12. Published averages vary by sample, setting, language, and clinical context, so this tool uses supportive score bands rather than comparing you to one fixed norm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the full IUS-27?
No. This is the IUS-12, the validated short form of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. It is used here because it has strong research support, correlates highly with the longer IUS-27, and is easier to complete.
What does a high score mean?
A high score suggests greater discomfort with uncertainty, not a diagnosis. It may reflect stronger distress around surprises, incomplete information, doubtful decisions, or situations you cannot fully control.
Can this test diagnose anxiety or GAD?
No. The IUS-12 measures intolerance of uncertainty, which can be relevant to worry and anxiety, but it does not diagnose generalized anxiety disorder or any other condition. A licensed professional can provide a full assessment.
Why is there no average score shown?
Available averages are sample-specific. Scores can differ across student, community, clinical, and research samples, so one universal average would be misleading.
What should I do if uncertainty is affecting my life?
If uncertainty is causing distress, avoidance, repeated reassurance seeking, or impairment, consider discussing your results with a licensed mental health professional. You can also start with small skills like grounding, breathing, and thought labeling.
More Tests
Sources & References
- Carleton RN, Norton MAPJ, Asmundson GJG. Fearing the unknown: A short version of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Journal of Anxiety Disorders. 2007;21(1):105-117.
- Freeston MH, Rhéaume J, Letarte H, Dugas MJ, Ladouceur R. Why do people worry? Personality and Individual Differences. 1994;17(6):791-802.
- Buhr K, Dugas MJ. The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale: Psychometric properties of the English version. Behaviour Research and Therapy. 2002;40(8):931-945.
- Wilson EJ, Stapinski L, Dueber DM, Rapee RM, Burton AL, Abbott MJ. Psychometric properties of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12 in generalized anxiety disorder.
This self-test is for education and self-reflection only. It is not a diagnostic instrument and cannot replace an evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. High scores indicate more discomfort with uncertainty and can be discussed with a licensed professional if they are causing distress or impairment. If you are in crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis helpline.