ABSTRACT
Generally, uncertainty is experienced as unpleasant. In general, we experience uncertainty as a negative feeling. There are many situations in which we feel uncertain and strongly prefer certainty over uncertainty. “Uncertainty” is a “un” word, it has a negative connotation, just like unpleasant, unregulated, unfit, unfriendly, or unbearable, all words that signify something unpleasant. Uncertainty can also be experienced as a positive feeling. People respond very differently to situations of uncertainty. This chapter explores four different strategies for reducing a high level of uncertainty. We can easily recognize these four responses to the feeling of uncertainty in our daily lives, and all four can occur within the same individual at different moments. People react rather differently to situations of uncertainty. Their responses are co-determined by the I-positions in their repertoire. Uncertainty can be useful in situations where we are confronted with different alternatives.
