Checking the Uncertain Article Swipe
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· 2024
· Open Access
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· DOI: https://doi.org/10.1026/1616-3443/a000761
· OA: W4405649777
Background: Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) as a transdiagnostic concept describes difficulties in handling uncertain situations. In connection with illness anxiety, IU can occur along with safety behavior such as repeated checking of one’s body for signs of an illness ( body checking). Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the role of IU and illness anxiety in body checking experimentally. Method: In an online setting, 157 participants checked eight body features in a mirror. After practicing the self-assessment task (health-irrelevant framing), body features were framed as possible signs of an illness (health-relevant framing). Participants were expected to take longer, rate their health status lower, and have higher intentions to seek medical advice in the health-relevant framing. A mediation of IU through illness anxiety on these variables was expected. Results: The results do not support any of the hypotheses. Conclusion: The results could be explained by a defensive reaction among participants or methodological constraints such as order effects of the framings.
