Mediating role of affective experiences in the link between intolerance of uncertainty and psychological adjustment problems and loneliness in emerging adults

This study examined whether positive and negative experiences mediate the association of intolerance of uncertainty with psychological adjustment problems as well as loneliness. A total of 366 undergraduate students (50.3% females; mean (age) = 21.24 +/- 2.96 years) completed an online survey that included measures of intolerance of uncertainty, positive experiences, negative experiences, psychological adjustment problems, and loneliness. The findings indicated that the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and psychological adjustment problems was mediated by positive and negative experiences. Similarly, the association between intolerance of uncertainty and loneliness was also mediated by positive and negative experiences. These findings suggest that emotional experiences are important in mitigating the negative effects of intolerance of uncertainty on mental health outcomes. Theoretical contributions and practical implications of the results are also discussed.