Intolerance of uncertainty and cyberchondria among Pakistani young adults
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Abstract
Objectives: To examine the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty (IU), including its components inhibitory IU and prospective IU, and cyberchondria, and to compare IU and cyberchondria across demographics such as gender, work status, education, and family system.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2023 at National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, after ethical approval. A purposive sample of 302 young adults aged 18–29 years who used the internet for health-related searches was included. Participants completed the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12), the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12), and a demographic questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results: The sample comprised 177 females (58.6%) and 125 males (41.4%). IU showed a significant positive correlation with cyberchondria (rs=0.59, p<0.01). Inhibitory IU demonstrated a stronger positive association with cyberchondria (rs=0.64, p<0.01) compared with prospective IU (rs=0.38, p<0.01). Hours spent on the internet daily for health-related searches (rs=0.26, p<0.01) and age (rs=0.28, p<0.01) were also positively correlated with cyberchondria, whereas family monthly income (FMI) was negatively correlated with cyberchondria (rs=−0.41, p<0.01). Cyberchondria scores were significantly higher among males, working individuals, participants with PhD-level education, and those living in nuclear family systems.
Conclusion: Intolerance of uncertainty, particularly inhibitory IU, is strongly associated with cyberchondria among young adults. Demographic factors also influence these psychological tendencies. Interventions targeting uncertainty management and responsible online health information use may help reduce cyberchondria.
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