A longitudinal investigation of information and support seeking processes that alter the uncertainty experiences of mental illness

ABSTRACT Individuals living with mental illness commonly experience higher- or lower-than-desired uncertainty (i.e., uncertainty discrepancy) related to their medical conditions, personal identities, and social relationships. An uncertainty discrepancy can trigger negative emotions and motivate communication behaviors such as information seeking and social support seeking, which, in turn, may alter the initially perceived uncertainty discrepancy. Three-wave longitudinal data collected from 223 adults with clinically diagnosed mental illness suggested uncertainty discrepancy was associated with direct support seeking from family and best friends via mechanisms proposed by the theory of motivated information management. Indirect support seeking led to an increase in uncertainty discrepancy over time. Theoretical and practical implications regarding support seeking as an emotion-driven communicative response to uncertainty discrepancy are discussed.