ambiguity tolerance–intolerance

Ambiguity tolerance–intolerance refers to a proposed aspect of personality that influences how individuals respond to ambiguous stimuli, though whether it constitutes a distinct psychological trait is disputed. Ambiguity may arise from being presented information that is unfamiliar or conflicting or when there is too much information available to process. When presented with such situations, ambiguity intolerant individuals are likely to experience anxiety and interpret the situation as threatening, and may attempt to avoid or ignore the ambiguity by rigidly adhering to inaccurate, simplistic interpretations. In contrast, an individual who is tolerant of ambiguity is more likely to remain neutral, adopt a flexible and open disposition, and adapt to the situation. Much of the initial research into the concept focused on intolerance of ambiguity, which has been correlated with prejudicial beliefs and the authoritarian personality.