Self-compassion, intolerance of uncertainty, fear of COVID-19, and well-being: A serial mediation investigation

Abstract

The present study examined the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty and fear of COVID-19 in the relationship between self-compassion and well-being. The participants were comprised of 667 Turkish individuals (465 females and 202 males; aged between 18 and 73 years) from 75 of 81 cities in Turkey. The model was investigated using bootstrapping. The results showed that self-compassion, intolerance of uncertainty, fear of COVID-19, and well-being are significantly interrelated. Moreover, a serial mediation was found among the variables: individuals with a growth self-compassion to report lower intolerance of uncertainty, which further decreased perceived fear of COVID-19, and subsequently weakened well-being. Results are discussed in the context of COVID-19 and the well-being literature, and theoretical and practical implications were also provided.