Global turmoil is taking a toll on the mental health of young adults, but a recent study suggests that a brief training course can help them manage their anxiety. On December 15, 2025, research published in the journal *Young People Today* revealed that a half-hour program known as “Uncertainty-Mindset Training” significantly improves participants’ ability to cope with uncertainty, resulting in decreased feelings of anxiety and depression.
According to the lead researcher, Susanne Schweizer, an associate professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, young adults today are facing unprecedented challenges across various spheres, including climate change, economic instability, and public health crises. “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,” Schweizer stated in a news release. The benefits of this training were evident even a month after completion.
The research involved 259 participants aged 18 to 24, who were randomly assigned to one of three groups. One group underwent the Uncertainty-Mindset Training, where they learned coping strategies such as the STAR approach — STop, Accept, and Re-think. This method aims to disrupt patterns of worry and rumination that exacerbate anxiety.
The second group received psychoeducation training focused on general topics including emotion regulation and healthy habits. This training did not specifically address uncertainty, and as a result, it produced more modest effects. The third group, which received no training, showed no meaningful changes in their mental health.
The findings indicated that those who participated in the Uncertainty-Mindset Training experienced a substantial improvement in their tolerance of uncertainty, with noticeable reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms. As Schweizer noted, “The fact that a single session could produce measurable improvements suggests this kind of approach may have real value.”
While the improvements in tolerance remained evident even three months later, the reductions in anxiety and depression began to wane. 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 the study’s lead author, expressed optimism about the approach’s potential. “If further testing shows we can extend its benefits, there’s real potential for it to be offered more widely to young people worldwide,” she said.
Future research will explore whether the training can be tailored for specific groups facing high levels of uncertainty, such as families during significant life events or individuals awaiting medical test results. The aim is to make this training accessible to all young adults, especially those who may not have access to traditional mental health services.
This study underscores the importance of equipping young people with tools to navigate a world filled with uncertainty. As they face a myriad of challenges, simple and accessible interventions like the Uncertainty-Mindset Training could play a vital role in supporting their mental health.