The mediating role of psychological resilience in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and depression, anxiety, and stress among mental health professionals

The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of psychological resilience in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and depression, anxiety, and stress among mental health professionals. The sample comprised 215 mental health workers—178 women and 37 men—ranging in age from 25 to 57 years. This quantitative research employed mediation analysis to investigate the relationships among the variables. Data were collected using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults, and a Demographic Information Form. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the associations between variables, independent-samples t-tests to assess differences between groups, and Hayes' PROCESS Macro Model 4 to test the mediation models. Correlation results indicated significant positive relationships between intolerance of uncertainty and each of depression, anxiety, and stress. Significant negative relationships were found between psychological resilience and intolerance of uncertainty, depression, anxiety, and stress. Individuals with low psychological resilience scored significantly higher on intolerance of uncertainty, depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those with high resilience. Mediation analysis showed that psychological resilience mediated the relationships between intolerance of uncertainty and depression, anxiety, and stress. The findings are discussed in light of the relevant literature, and practical recommendations are offered.