The development and conceptual relationship of the constructs of threat appraisal (TA) and intolerance of uncertainty (IU) are explored in the context of anxiety disorders. A narrative review tracking the development of these constructs and their relationship is undertaken. There is some evidence to suggest that the interaction between the components of threat appraisal (probability × cost) may partially account for or provide a theoretical framework which explains presenting levels of anxiety. Furthermore, research suggested that IU is a construct which contributes to a broad range of anxiety disorders. It was concluded that distinctive cognitive biases linked with IU – such as interpreting ambiguous and uncertain (both positive and negative) information as highly concerning – suggests that IU is interpreted negatively independent of threat appraisal. These findings mean a number of issues remain unclear, including whether IU in anxiety-provoking situations is sufficient in itself – independent of threat appraisal – in eliciting high levels of anxiety. Additionally, it is unclear whether threat appraisal and IU act as independent constructs, or more in an interactive manner in anxiety. To achieve further clarity on these issues, methodological recommendations for future research are made.

The role of appraisal of negative events in social anxiety of adolescents was studied. One-hundred and sixty-eight Icelandic pupils between the ages of 13 and 15 years completed the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory for Children (SPAI-C), Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), and measures of situational appraisal. Social anxiety was found to be specifically related to the appraisal as threatening of negative social events happening to the self. These relationships remained when depression was partialized out, whereas the reverse was not true. On the whole, the results support the notion of judgmental specificity in relation to social anxiety in adolescents.