Intolerance of Uncertainty: the IUS-12, how strongly does not knowing affect you?
The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12) is a 12-question test that measures how strongly you react to uncertainty or not knowing what will happen.
It looks at how much uncertainty makes you feel as some people are generally ok with it while others find it very hard to tolerate.
Free to try · Responses are private & encrypted
Related tools
What does the Intolerance of Uncertainty Assessment cover?
The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale covers 12 statements about being upset by unforeseen events, needing all the information and wanting to avoid surprises, rated by how much you agree, producing a score that reflects how hard you find not knowing what will happen.
Who is this Intolerance of Uncertainty Assessment for?
Helpful if you:
🌀 Find not knowing what will happen very hard to bear
🔎 Need certainty or reassurance before you can relax
📝 Have been asked by your therapist to complete this
For therapists:
Assign the IUS-12 at the start of work on generalised anxiety or worry, where intolerance of uncertainty is a key maintaining factor, and repeat it to track change. Results are stored securely for review before your next session. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Dr Harriet Mellotte
Clinical Psychologist & CBT Therapist, BABCP
“Offload is a fantastic resource for both clients and therapists. The world of CBT has been lacking an app which enables the sharing of CBT worksheets and homework tasks between clients and therapists, but Offload completely does this, making the service we offer more professional and the benefits to clients greater.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale?
The IUS-12 is a 12-question short form of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. It measures how hard you find it to cope with not knowing what will happen, from being upset by unforeseen events to needing all the information before you can act. It is widely used in research on worry and generalised anxiety.
Why does intolerance of uncertainty matter?
Intolerance of uncertainty is one of the main engines of chronic worry. If not knowing feels unbearable, the mind tries to remove uncertainty through worrying, reassurance-seeking and over-planning, none of which can actually deliver certainty. Reducing intolerance of uncertainty is a key target in CBT for generalised anxiety.
What does my score mean?
Scores from 9 to 29 are in the typical range. Scores of 30 or above suggest uncertainty is harder for you to tolerate than for most people, and that worry may be taking up a lot of your energy. It is a measure of a tendency, not a diagnosis of any condition.
Can professionals assign this test to their clients?
Yes. Therapists on Offload can assign the IUS-12 at the start of work on worry or generalised anxiety and repeat it to track change. Results are stored securely and available to review before the next session. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Are you a therapist?
Assign this therapy tool and 200+ other interactive tools directly to your clients. Build personalised care plans, customise tools, and review client responses before sessions. HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Explore Offload for therapistsReferences
Carleton, R. N., Norton, M. A. P. J., & Asmundson, G. J. G. (2007). Fearing the unknown: A short version of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 21(1), 105–117.
