Disambiguating Tolerance of Ambiguity: Introducing the MAAS-9 as a Short, Reliable, and Multidimensional Measure of Attitudes Toward Ambiguity.

Abstract

Although the concept of tolerance of ambiguity has been studied for the past 75 years, it seems more relevant than ever with the rapidly changing political and social landscape of these days. However, the literature remains marked by substantial challenges, particularly with respect to the operationalization of tolerance of ambiguity. Building on the multidimensional framework proposed by Lauriola et al., we conceptualize tolerance of ambiguity as an umbrella concept that includes moral absolutism, need for complexity, and discomfort with ambiguity. We present the MAAS-9, a 9-item short scale that allows for a psychometrically sound assessment of these dimensions. Against this backdrop we suggest that prior challenges in the operationalization may partly reflect issues of item-sampling. We further examine associations with personality constructs, mental health (e.g., well-being or chronic stress) and political aspects (e.g., political orientation, conspiracy mentality, or racism), illustrating the differentiated nomological patterns of the three dimensions.