A primary strength of this study is that it provides a more
nuanced focus on the social context than previous research. Results indicate that perceived criticism, participation in support groups, and the presence of a family member with a similar illness are associated with the degree of uncertainty that patients experience. Findings are based on a large geographically
diverse sample of patients who have been diagnosed
with the third leading cause of death in the USA. Given
that patients had, on average, been diagnosed more than a decade prior to participating in this study, results contribute to understanding factors associated with uncertainty among patients who have lived with their chronic illness for many years.