Ravanshenasi & Din

Objective: Intolerance of uncertainty is a psychological construct that plays a central role in the onset and persistence of generalized anxiety disorder. In light of the absence of a conceptual model elucidating the psychopathology of this construct from an Islamic perspective, the present study sought to articulate its cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions. Method: This foundational study adopted a qualitative design. Data were gathered through documentary analysis, and the underlying components were identified and synthesized using qualitative content analysis within a conceptual modeling framework grounded in Islamic texts. The extracted components and the resulting model were evaluated by seven experts in Islamic studies and psychology using the Content Validity Index (CVI). Findings: Analyses indicated that theological unawareness and insufficient perception of monotheistic realities constitute the fundamental antecedents of negative appraisals of uncertainty (i.e., a diminished belief in divine benevolence). These appraisals lead to threat-laden interpretations of ambiguous situations, subsequently triggering symptoms of intolerance of uncertainty. In efforts to cope with worry, individuals tend to adopt maladaptive strategies that reinforce a recurring cycle of worry and anxiety, ultimately resulting in negative thinking patterns, reduced functioning, and physiological manifestations of anxiety. Conclusion: A comprehensive explanation of the psychopathological cycle of intolerance of uncertainty requires consideration of religious factors and the implementation of a conceptual model capable of integrating its cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions.