The present study aimed to examine whether cognitive avoidance mediates the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and worry in early adulthood, and whether this mediating pathway is moderated by problem-focused coping (i.e., a moderated me...
The present study aimed to examine whether cognitive avoidance mediates the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and worry in early adulthood, and whether this mediating pathway is moderated by problem-focused coping (i.e., a moderated mediation effect). An online self-report survey was administered to 260 adults aged 19 to 35 across South Korea. The findings of the study were as follows.
First, intolerance of uncertainty, cognitive avoidance, problem-focused coping, and worry were all significantly correlated with one another. Intolerance of uncertainty and cognitive avoidance showed positive correlations with worry, whereas problem-focused coping showed a negative correlation with worry.
Second, cognitive avoidance significantly mediated the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and worry. Specifically, intolerance of uncertainty was found to elicit cognitive avoidance, which in turn heightened levels of worry.
Third, problem-focused coping significantly moderated the relationship between cognitive avoidance and worry. Contrary to expectations, however, higher levels of problem-focused coping were associated with an increase in the influence of cognitive avoidance on worry, a finding that runs counter to the hypothesis that problem-focused coping would function as a protective factor.
Fourth, problem-focused coping significantly moderated the mediated pathway through which intolerance of uncertainty affected worry via cognitive avoidance. The indirect effect was non-significant at low and average levels of problem-focused coping; however, at high levels, the indirect pathway through which intolerance of uncertainty amplified worry via cognitive avoidance was found to be significant. These results suggest that problem-focused coping may not function as a buffer against worry in certain cognitive contexts.
This study is significant in that it empirically verified the cognitive mechanisms underlying worry within an integrative framework encompassing intolerance of uncertainty, cognitive avoidance, and problem-focused coping. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of pathological worry in early adulthood and may serve as foundational data for designing more effective and personalized psychological interventions.