A recent study led by psychologists at UNSW Sydney has revealed that a brief online course can significantly reduce anxiety and depression among young adults by helping them become more tolerant of uncertainty. The research, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, highlights the importance of addressing mental health in a demographic facing considerable challenges from ongoing global instability and the effects of the pandemic.
Young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 24, often encounter heightened levels of uncertainty linked to economic, social, and environmental factors. According to Associate Professor Susanne Schweizer, the study’s senior author, “Young people today are coming of age amid great climate, economic, social, and health uncertainty.” She noted that increased intolerance of uncertainty has been suggested as a contributing factor to the rising rates of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety among youth.
The Study’s Design and Findings
The study involved 259 participants who were randomly assigned to one of two online training modules or a control group that received no training. One module, named the Uncertainty-Mindset Training, encouraged participants to perceive uncertainty as less threatening. It taught coping strategies, including the STAR strategy (STop, Accept, and Re-think), designed to disrupt worry and rumination that often accompany uncertainty.
The other module, the Psychoeducation Training, focused on general well-being topics, such as emotion regulation and social connection, but did not directly address uncertainty. Researchers assessed the participants’ mental health and tolerance of uncertainty at various points, including immediately after the training and one month later.
The results were striking. Participants who completed the Uncertainty-Mindset Training showed significant reductions in both intolerance of uncertainty and levels of anxiety and depression. A/Prof. Schweizer stated, “The fact that a single session could produce measurable improvements suggests this kind of approach may have real value.”
In contrast, the Psychoeducation Training yielded more modest effects, and the control group did not exhibit any meaningful change. Notably, participants in the Uncertainty-Mindset Training maintained their improved tolerance of uncertainty for up to three months, although the reduction in anxiety and depression was less pronounced over time.
Implications for Mental Health Support
The findings underscore the potential of low-cost, scalable interventions that can be easily implemented to support mental health, especially for young adults who may lack access to traditional therapeutic services. A/Prof. Schweizer emphasized the importance of these tools, stating, “Helping young people rethink their relationship with uncertainty in a simple, accessible way means young adults from all backgrounds can thrive in uncertain times.”
The researchers plan to refine the Uncertainty-Mindset Training to enhance its long-term benefits. Sarah Daniels, the study’s first author, is currently focusing on intolerance of uncertainty for her thesis research at the University of Cambridge. She noted that while the training course effectively shifted participants’ psychological mechanisms, ongoing support could be beneficial in maintaining these mental health improvements.
“Boosters may be an effective way to bolster additional resilience,” she suggested, highlighting the course’s brief and accessible nature. The research team aims to investigate whether the training can be tailored to specific groups, such as individuals during pregnancy or those awaiting medical test results, to further address high levels of uncertainty.
This study, funded by Wellcome and the National Health and Medical Research Council, serves as a promising step in developing accessible mental health resources for young adults facing the complexities of modern life. The researchers encourage interested individuals to participate in future studies through UNSW’s DAS lab.
