Young adults facing a world characterized by turmoil and uncertainty can benefit significantly from a brief training course aimed at enhancing their mental resilience. A recent study published on December 15, 2025, in the journal “Young Adults,” reveals that a single half-hour session called “Uncertainty-Mindset Training” can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression in individuals aged 18 to 24.
According to Susanne Schweizer, senior researcher and associate professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, this innovative course successfully improved participants’ tolerance of uncertainty, which is crucial given the current climate of economic, social, and health instability. Schweizer stated, “In this study, we showed that an ultra-brief course—one that took less than half an hour to complete—successfully improved emerging adults’ tolerance of uncertainty, which significantly benefited their mental health one month later.”
The study involved 259 participants, who were randomly assigned to one of three groups. One group underwent the Uncertainty-Mindset Training, which focused on coping strategies for handling uncertainty. Participants learned the STAR strategy—STop, Accept, and Re-think—designed to disrupt negative thought patterns contributing to anxiety.
Another group received psychoeducation training, addressing broader topics such as emotion regulation and social connections, but did not specifically tackle uncertainty. The third group did not receive any training. Notably, the Uncertainty-Mindset Training produced the most significant improvements among participants, with lasting effects observed even one month post-training.
“Helping young people rethink their relationship with uncertainty in a simple, accessible way means young adults from all backgrounds—especially those who may not have access to traditional services—can thrive in uncertain times,” Schweizer added.
While the training’s benefits appeared to diminish after three months, the initial improvements in tolerance for uncertainty persisted. The psychoeducation module yielded more modest results, and the control group showed no meaningful change in mental health outcomes.
Looking ahead, researchers plan to refine the Uncertainty-Mindset Training to enhance its long-term benefits. Sarah Daniels, a graduate student at the University of Cambridge and lead researcher, emphasized the potential of this training, stating, “The great strength of this approach is that it’s brief and accessible. If further testing shows we can extend its benefits, there’s real potential for it to be offered more widely to young people worldwide.”
Future studies will explore tailoring the training for specific groups who face heightened uncertainty, such as families during significant life events or individuals awaiting medical test results. This research highlights the pressing need for effective mental health interventions for young adults navigating an increasingly unpredictable world.
