Adult Separation Anxiety Disorder and Intolerance of Uncertainty in Young Adults

Abstract

The current study was conducted to explore the newly recognised concept of adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) in relation to intolerance of uncertainty in Indian young adults. Since, almost negligible research has been conducted on ASAD in India, this study can be considered as apioneering study in India. For this study, a sample of 339 Indian young adults were assessed on the relevant scales to evaluate the adult separation anxiety symptoms, adult separation anxiety disorder and intolerance of uncertainty. The statistical analyses used in the study were coefficient of correlation, multiple linear regression and student’s t-test. Results demonstrated that both the dimensions and overall intolerance of uncertainty were positively and significantly correlated to ASAD. Prospective intolerance of uncertainty proved to be an independent predictor of ASAD. Also, it was observed that the dimensions and the overall intolerance of uncertainty was significantly higher in ASAD group as compared to the non-ASAD group.