Table 1.

Uncertainty tolerance measures used in the current study^a

A. Tolerance for Ambiguity (TFA) (6)

1. It really disturbs me when I am unable to follow another person's train of thought.

2. If I am uncertain about the responsibilities involved in a particular task, I get very anxious.

3. Before any important task, I must know how long it will take.

4. I don't like to work on a problem unless there is a possibility of getting a clear-cut and unambiguous answer.

5. The best part of working on a jigsaw puzzle is putting in that last piece.

6. I am often uncomfortable with people unless I feel that I can understand their behavior.

7. A good task is one in which what is to be done and how it is to be done are always clear.

B. Pearson Risk Attitude (PRA) (16)

1. I enjoy taking risks.

2. I try to avoid situations that have uncertain outcomes.b

3. Taking risks does not bother me if the gains involved are high.

4. I consider security an important element in every aspect of my life.b

5. People have told me that I seem to enjoy taking chances.

6. I rarely, if ever, take risks when there is another alternative.b

C. Ambiguity Aversion in Medicine (AA-Med) (19)

1. I would not have confidence in a medical test or treatment if experts had conflicting opinions about it.

2. Conflicting expert opinions about a medical test or treatment would make me upset.

3. I would not be afraid of trying a medical test or treatment even if experts had conflicting opinions about it.b

4. If experts had conflicting opinions about a medical test or treatment, I would still be willing to try it.b

5. I would avoid making a decision about a medical test or treatment if experts had conflicting opinions about it.

^aAll items rated on six-point Likert scale ranging from ‘Strongly Disagree’ to ‘Strongly Agree’.

^bReverse-scored item.