This study investigated the role of uncertainty in information management processes by integrating insights from uncertainty management theory and the theory of motivated information management. Specifically, we examined the extent to which uncertainty appraisals moderated the effects of uncertainty on anxiety and information seeking about family health history (FHH) from spouses. Data from 626 married individuals suggested that desired uncertainty moderated uncertainty’s effect on anxiety such that uncertainty led to more anxiety when individuals wanted to be more certain. Uncertainty also exerted stronger effects on anxiety and information seeking when one’s actual uncertainty was low. Efficacy remained a predictor of information seeking, consistent with the literature. Findings offer theoretical implications about the interaction effects among different conceptualizations of uncertainty (i.e., actual, desired, and uncertainty discrepancy) and practical applications for encouraging information seeking about FHH.

本研究通过整合不确定性管理理论和动机信息管理理论的见解，研究了不确定性在信息管理过程中的作用。具体而言，我们研究了不确定性评估在多大程度上减轻了不确定性对焦虑和从配偶寻求家庭健康史 (FHH) 信息的影响。来自 626 名已婚人士的数据表明，期望的不确定性缓和了不确定性对焦虑的影响，因此当个人想要更加确定时，不确定性会导致更多的焦虑。不确定性也对焦虑和信息寻求产生更大的影响，当一个人的实际情况不确定性很低。功效仍然是信息寻求的预测指标，与文献一致。研究结果提供了关于不确定性的不同概念化（即实际、期望和不确定性差异）之间的相互作用效应的理论意义，以及鼓励寻求有关 FHH 的信息的实际应用。