The development and conceptual relationship of the constructs of threat appraisal (TA) and intolerance of uncertainty (IU) are explored in the context of anxiety disorders. A narrative review tracking the development of these constructs and their relationship is undertaken. There is some evidence to suggest that the interaction between the components of threat appraisal (probability × cost) may partially account for or provide a theoretical framework which explains presenting levels of anxiety. Furthermore, research suggested that IU is a construct which contributes to a broad range of anxiety disorders. It was concluded that distinctive cognitive biases linked with IU – such as interpreting ambiguous and uncertain (both positive and negative) information as highly concerning – suggests that IU is interpreted negatively independent of threat appraisal. These findings mean a number of issues remain unclear, including whether IU in anxiety-provoking situations is sufficient in itself – independent of threat appraisal – in eliciting high levels of anxiety. Additionally, it is unclear whether threat appraisal and IU act as independent constructs, or more in an interactive manner in anxiety. To achieve further clarity on these issues, methodological recommendations for future research are made. Key learning aims (1) To understand the conceptual foundations of TA and IU in the cognitive model of anxiety. (2) To understand the empirical evidence supporting the role of both TA and IU in anxiety. (3) To appreciate the potential relationship between these concepts in anxiety.

R6sum6UEchelle d'dvaluation des dimensions du comportement destinde aux parents (EDCP; Poirier, Tremblay, Perreault, Morizot, Maranda & Freeston, 1999) est utilis6 afin de soutenir les activit6s de d6pistage et d'6valuation des dif-ficult6s de comportement (DC) chez les enfants du primaire. La pr6sente 6tude examine la sensibilit6 diagnostique de I'EDCP h l'aide d'un 6chantillon clinique d'enfants en DC identifi6s en milieu scolaire (N -77) et d'un 6chantillon d'enfants ordinaires (N -1 175). Les r6sultats des analyses de sensibilit6 et de sp6cificit6 et de l'analyse discriminante ont montr6 que I'EDCP permet de classifier ad6quatement la majorit6 des enfants DC et ordinaires.

No abstract