Intolerance of uncertainty in students during the COVID-19 pandemic: scoping review

Abstract

The intolerance of uncertainty factor is a construct that implies difficulty for the individual in dealing with unforeseen contexts. The literature indicates that intolerance of uncertainty can have a negative impact on well-being, especially when experiencing an unexpected context, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. From this perspective, this study aimed to perform a synopsis of what has been studied about the intolerance of uncertainty in higher education students during the Covid-19 pandemic through a scoping review. Data was collected in the EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases using descriptors in English. From the application of eligibility criteria performed by two judges, nine studies were selected. The three main research topics of the studies analyzed were the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and 1. characteristics involving mental health, 2. fear, and 3. academic activities and career aspects. Most studies showed a lack of tolerance for uncertainty as a predictor of negative factors. In addition, it was found that no interventions directed toward the construct were carried out in the studies. The present review highlights the ability to tolerate uncertainty as a relevant component to be evaluated in students and the importance of carrying out psychological interventions aimed at the intolerance of uncertainty in precarious contexts.