Repetitive negative thinking during ambiguous situations: Interactive roles of looming cognitive style and intolerance of uncertainty

Abstract

Background and objectives: Looming cognitive style (LCS) and intolerance of uncertainty (IUC) are both cognitive risk factors that play an important role in development of anxiety disorders. Even though both are known to be triggered by ambiguous situations, there is inadequate research on how they predict anxiety and repetitive negative thinking (RNT) patterns in response to ambiguity. The current study aimed to examine the interactive association of IUC and LCS with state anxiety and intensity of RNT following exposure to a stressor that involves ambiguity.

Methods: Data were collected from 292 (153 women) individuals aged between 18 and 63 (M = 20.82, SD = 5.20) who were administered self-report measures of LCS, IUC, and anxiety followed by a vignette describing an ambiguous situation. State RNT and anxiety were assessed following exposure to the vignette.

Results: The results indicated that IUC moderated the association of physical looming with state RNT. Individuals who have elevated levels of both physical looming and IUC reported experiencing more higher frequency of RNT when compared with other individuals.

Limitations: Although the manipulation check has shown that the scenario is effective it was not pilot tested. Also, since the manipulation was conducted online, the manipulation may not have been presented in a standardized way to all the participants.

Conclusions: Overall, the study shows that the two risk factors enhance each other's effect and lead to more intense levels of repetitive, uncontrollable, and distressing thoughts following exposure to ambiguity.

Keywords: Ambiguity; Anxiety; Intolerance of uncertainty; Looming cognitive style; Repetitive negative thinking.