Serial mediation relationship between intolerance of uncertainty, worry, anxiety and sex

Abstract

Intolerance of uncertainties (IU) has become a topical transdiagnostic factor in anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptoms have been commonly linked to sex and literature shows that women tend to suffer more from anxiety related symptoms. This study aims to link IU and sex together in relation to anxiety symptoms, with use of a serial mediation analysis including other variables like worrying and neuroticism. Sample included 437 Dutch psychology undergraduates between the ages of 18 to 58 (M = 21.9), 78.9% were women. Results showed a unique previously unexplained variance in anxiety symptoms by IU. There seemed to be a sex difference in worrying and IU, but this result did not remain after the correction of neuroticism. The focus on IU as important factor in anxiety disorders is further solidified and could be a effective focus for future therapies.