Such as in the case of awaiting a serious diagnosis, coping efforts are employed to reduce uncertainty, Mishel,1988.An example of negative uncertainty exists when individuals and family members describe"the waiting and not knowing" as the most difficult time of the illness.In such cases, the antecedents of uncertainty are used to reduce uncertainty is appraised as an opportunity and implies a positive outcome,such as in cases of a probable downward trajectory,Where "not knowing is better," coping strategies are used to maintain uncertainty.An example is an individual's avoidance of seeking healthcare,despite the presence of symptoms of serious illness.When coping strategies in either appraisal are successful,adaptation then occur,Mishel,1990