The Mediating Effect of Intolerance of Uncertainty on the Relationship between Meaning in Life and Psychological Distress: A Focusing-Oriented Intervention Study

Hassink, Imme (2023) The Mediating Effect of Intolerance of Uncertainty on the Relationship between Meaning in Life and Psychological Distress: A Focusing-Oriented Intervention Study. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: The rising prevalence of psychological distress necessitates experimental studies that analyze the mechanisms between meaning in life and psychological distress (CBS, 2021). The current study aimed to corroborate and extend the findings of Ostafin et al. (2021) by investigating the potential of meaning interventions – specifically, a focusing-oriented intervention – in reducing psychological distress and explore the mediating role of IU. Design and Methods: The study consisted of 126 first-year students who reported low meaning in life during pre-screening. Results: The manipulation check indicated that the meaning intervention did not significantly influence MIL. Results showed that the intervention led to a greater decrease in depression symptoms compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in anxiety reduction between the meaning and control groups. The mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty was not supported, but exploratory analyses suggested that the amount of uncertainty mediates the relationship between the meaning intervention and depression and anxiety. Conclusions: The findings partially contradict previous research and highlight the complexity of the relationship between MIL, psychological distress, and potential mediating factors, and call for further research with different interventions and populations.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Ostafin, B.D.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Psychology (CP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	24 Aug 2023 21:25
Last Modified:	24 Aug 2023 21:25
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2794

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