The role of experiential avoidance in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and traumatic stress among Covid-19 survivors

Covid-19 pandemic has been a huge source of stress, especially for people who survived it. Studies have shown that various psychological problems such as depression and anxiety can be seen among Covid-19 survivors. In this thesis study, it was aimed to examine the traumatic stress symptoms that can be seen among Covid-19 survivors in our society, the prevalence of these symptoms and the factors associated with them. Another aim of the study was to test the mediator role of experiential avoidance in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and traumatic stress symptoms. To this aim, data were collected from a total of 226 participants aged 18 and over, who had undergone Covid-19 at least once since the beginning of the pandemic online. Demographic Information Form, Covid-19 Information Form, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Scale and Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale was used. Results showed that Covid-19 has traumatic effects on people survived the disease. The demographic and disease related factors that significantly associated with traumatic stress symptoms are revealed. The proposed mediation model was confirmed by the mediation analysis conducted. It was observed that experiential avoidance partially mediated the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and traumatic stress symptoms. As a result, it is argued that interventions targeting intolerance of uncertainty and experiential avoidance will be productive while working in clinical settings with people suffering from traumatic stress. The contributions of the above mentioned findings to the literature, new research directions and implications for practice are discussed.