Intolerance of uncertainty and psychological well-being of young adults: The moderating role of self-compassion

• Main Author: Baluyot, Candice Nicole R.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2024
• Subjects: Well-being—Psychological aspects; Young adults—Psychology; Uncertainty; Clinical Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdm_psych/79; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etdm_psych/article/1079/viewcontent/2024_Baluyot_Intolerance_of_Uncertainty_and_Psychological_Well_being_of_Young.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

Uncertainties are an intrinsic aspect of everyone’s life. For young adults who are confronted with a myriad of unpredictable challenges and changes, being equipped with personal resources that would allow them to overcome unpleasant impacts is important for maintaining a positive sense of well-being. The present study investigates the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty (IU), psychological well-being (PWB), and self-compassion (SC) among Filipino young adults. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed to explore the moderating role of SC between IU and PWB. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and regression models were performed to analyze the data obtained from 319 young adult respondents throughout the Philippines. The findings reveal a significant negative association between IU and psychological well-being, illustrating the adverse effects IU has on mental health outcomes. Although SC was a strong positive predictor of psychological well-being, it did not exhibit the hypothesized moderating effect between IU and PWB. Interestingly, SC was found to significantly mitigate the effects of IU on a specific dimension of PWB (personal growth). This study brings in valuable insights for interventions and programs aimed at the development of self-compassion to improve overall psychological well-being. Additionally, the study highlights that cultivating a compassionate attitude towards self could be a means to navigate life's uncertainties and not just endure them but even grow through the process, thereby promoting a growth mindset for young adults.