The moderating role of Emotional Regulation in the relationship between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Depression

Abstract

Intolerance of uncertainty and its relationship with emotional disorders has been of growing interest in psychology research. This research aims to investigate whether emotional regulation (positive and negative) affects the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and depression, acting as a moderator. To answer the research questions, the quantitative analysis method was used. A total of 493 individuals participated in a cross-sectional survey and were administered four different questionnaires (Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12, Beck Depression Scale, Responses to Positive Affect, and Ruminative Response Scale). The data were collected, and SPSS 23 was used for the analysis. According to the results, positive emotional regulation is essential for predicting depression and even acts as a moderator through "inhibitory anxiety”. However, negative emotional regulation does not seem to be a moderator in predicting depression through Intolerance of Uncertainty. The complex interactions of IU, emotional regulation and depression were highlighted in this study, suggesting possible psychotherapeutic targets. Limitations of the study include a cross-sectional design and demographic factors such as socio-economic level and gender. Future studies could benefit by checking for comorbid situations such as anxiety disorders, which appear commonly with depression and in which IU also seems to play an important pathogenetic role.