The mediating role of locus of control in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and psychiatric symptoms

In this study, the mediating role of locus of control in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and psychiatric symptoms was examined using the SPSS PROCESS Macro (Model 4). The research was conducted with 208 voluntary participants aged between 18 and 65, including individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobia, comorbid anxiety and/or other unspecified anxiety disorders, as well as individuals with no psychiatric diagnosis. The results indicated that intolerance of uncertainty had a significant and positive effect on psychiatric symptom levels, and that locus of control partially mediated this relationship. The findings suggest that individuals' low tolerance for uncertainty, coupled with a tendency toward an external locus of control, may increase the severity of psychopathological symptoms. Incorporating the concept of locus of control into clinical assessments and treatment processes may enhance the effectiveness of psychological interventions. The study findings are discussed within the framework of relevant literature, and practical suggestions are offered to support intervention strategies in clinical settings.