Intolerance of uncertainty (IU), negative problem orientation (NPO), and cognitive avoidance (CA) are linked to the tendency to worry among children and adolescents (Fialko, Bolton, & Perrin, 2012; Gosselin et al., 2007; Laugesen, Dugas, & Bukowski, 2003). Until now, most psychometric measures available to assess these factors were validated only for adults. They are difficult and time-consuming to administer to young individuals. This study examines the psychometric properties of a new instrument, composed of 16 items adapted for children and adolescents, to evaluate IU, NPO, and CA. A sample of 2290 French-Canadian adolescents, aged between 12 and 17 years, completed the different questionnaires. Results generally support the psychometric properties of the new instrument. Factor analyses first explored the structure and confirmed the three subscales of the questionnaire (IU, NPO, and CA). Results also supported the internal consistency, within the main scales and subscales, while attesting to the quality of items as well as the global convergent and divergent validity. Adolescents with Generalised Anxiety Disorder symptoms, as assessed by a questionnaire, showed higher levels of IU, NPO, and CA, thus supporting the discriminant validity of the subscales. The new instrument could be a useful tool for the evaluation of these three components in different clinical contexts (e.g., evaluation, intervention). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
