Intolerance of uncertainty as a mediator in the relationship between emotional reactivity and mental well-being: a longitudinal study

Abstract

The fact that mental health has a major impact on individuals' lives increases the importance of evaluating mental well-being. This longitudinal study investigated interaction between emotional reactivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and mental well-being among Turkish adults. Drawing on a sample of 199 participants, the research utilized measures to assess emotional responses, intolerance of uncertainty, and mental well-being. The findings indicated that emotional reactivity has a significant positive effect on intolerance of uncertainty, suggesting that heightened emotional reactivity is associated with an increase in intolerance of uncertainty. Moreover, intolerance of uncertainty demonstrated a significant negative impact on mental well-being, highlighting its role as a predictor of mental health outcomes. Importantly, intolerance of uncertainty fully mediated in the relationship between emotional reactivity and mental well-being. The study contributed to the literature by employing a longitudinal design, shedding light on the dynamic interactions between emotional processes, intolerance of uncertainty, and mental well-being. The findings emphasized the importance of considering intolerance of uncertainty as a key factor in understanding mental health outcomes and suggested avenues for future research to explore these relationships further.