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Cognitive Therapy and Research

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20-03-2023 | Original Article

The Moderating Role of Intolerance of Uncertainty in the Relationship Between Health Anxiety and Pandemic-Related Stress

Auteurs: Samantha D. Sorid, David L. Yap, Adrian J. Bravo, Evelyn Behar

Gepubliceerd in: Cognitive Therapy and Research | Uitgave 3/2023

Abstract

Background and Objectives

Global pandemics, including COVID-19, have a significant effect on mental health, and this may be especially true for individuals with health anxiety. Although health anxiety is related to both pandemic-related fears and perceptions of health risks, there is a paucity of research on individual difference variables that might exert an influence on these relationships. The present study examined intolerance of uncertainty (IU) as a potential moderator of the relationship between health anxiety and COVID-related stress, and the relationship between health anxiety and perceived risk of contracting COVID.

Design and Methods

A nationally representative sample of North American adults (N = 204) completed self-report measures of health anxiety, IU, COVID-related stress, and perceived risk of contracting COVID.

Results

Prospective IU moderated the positive relationship between health anxiety and COVID-related stress, as the relationship was strengthened at average and higher levels of prospective IU. Neither IU subscale moderated the relationship between health anxiety and perceived risk.

Conclusion

These results suggest that individuals with elevated health anxiety and high prospective IU may be at higher risk of experiencing COVID-related stress, illuminating the interplay of risk factors that place anxious populations at an increased risk of experiencing stress during acute health risks.

vorige artikel Direct and Interactive Effects of Personality and Experiencing Changes in Relationships on Symptoms of Internalizing Psychopathology During the COVID-19 Pandemic

volgende artikel Longitudinal Relations Between Emotion Regulation and Internalizing Symptoms in Emerging Adults During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Alleen toegankelijk voor geautoriseerde gebruikers

We evaluated these models using IUS total score. Results were similar to the subscale-specific results: IU significantly moderated the relationship between health anxiety and COVID-related stress (interaction β = 0.12, 95% CI [0.00, 0.27]), but IU did not significantly moderate the relationship between health anxiety and perceived risk of contracting COVID (interaction β = − 0.05, 95% CI [-0.19, 0.08]).

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Titel: The Moderating Role of Intolerance of Uncertainty in the Relationship Between Health Anxiety and Pandemic-Related Stress
Auteurs: Samantha D. Sorid
David L. Yap
Adrian J. Bravo
Evelyn Behar
Publicatiedatum: 20-03-2023
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Cognitive Therapy and Research / Uitgave 3/2023
Print ISSN: 0147-5916
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-2819
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-023-10365-w

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Abstract

Background and Objectives

Design and Methods

Results

Conclusion

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