Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Chronic Medical Conditions

Abstract

Objective: To identify a developmentally relevant factor structure of the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale-Community form (MUIS-C) among adolescents and young adults with chronic medical conditions.

Methods: Data on college students with a self-reported chronic medical condition (N = 238) were collected between November 2013 and May 2015. Participants completed the MUIS-C as part of a larger questionnaire battery. An exploratory factor analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis were conducted.

Results: The exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 22-item model with two factors termed: (a) Ambiguity/Future Uncertainty (α = .93), and (b) Unpredictability (α = .89). The confirmatory factor analysis and a correlated uniquenesses model, which evaluated method effects, supported the two-factor model.

Discussion: These findings highlight the unique nature of illness uncertainty among adolescents and young adults and show the clinical and research utility of the MUIS-C for this population. Future investigations should examine how the two factors relate to distress among adolescents and young adults.

Keywords: Chronic illness; developmental perspectives; psychosocial functioning.