Illness uncertainty is a cognitive state that is associated
with worse outcomes in patients with a variety of chronic
health conditions. This cognitive state is potentially modifiable. In fact, interventions have been developed to help patients with various medical conditions learn strategies for managing illness uncertainty [39–41]. Research that focuses on understanding the role of the social environment in illness uncertainty is highly relevant to these interventions. For example, individuals with unsupportive social networks may have the greatest need for these interventions. In addition, these interventions may be more effective at reducing illness uncertainty if they address aspects of the social environment that contribute to high uncertainty. Future research should
examine how the social environment moderates and mediates the effectiveness of interventions to help patients manage illness uncertainty.