Pilot Study of an Extended CBT Group Intervention for Intolerance of Uncertainty

This study will examine the effect of cognitive-behavioral group therapy, developed from an ecological systems perspective on intolerance of uncertainty on the coping skills of emerging adults experiencing individual and social uncertainties during their quarter-life crisis. The participants' intolerance of uncertainty, emotion regulation, and anxiety levels will be examined as outcome (dependent) variables in the intervention. The intervention will address uncertainties experienced in the micro, meso, exo, macro, and chrono systems of ecological systems. The data obtained as a result of the intervention will be evaluated in terms of the effects of the protocol developed on the outcome variables and the impact of sociopolitical factors on experiences of uncertainty and anxiety. The sample of the study will consist of university students in their adult years. The intervention process will be structured according to the basic principles of group therapy (universality, altruism, instilling hope, etc.). The intervention will be structured primarily around psychoeducation and skill building and will be preventive in nature. Quantitative and qualitative assessments are planned for the study.

Inclusion criteria

• Be an undergraduate/graduate student (including preparatory class)
• Experience difficulties related to uncertainty
• Be between the ages of 18 and 29
• Have sufficient proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Turkish

Exclusion criteria

• Being 29 years of age or older,
• Having schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, alcohol and substance use disorders
• Individuals experiencing severe depression symptoms who require additional intervention to engage in the group process
• Individuals with cognitive impairment