Psychological Flexibility as a Mediator of the Relationship between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Psychological Well-Being among University Students

Abstract

This study tested the mediating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and psychological well-being among Egyptian university students, drawing upon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Conservation of Resources theories. A stratified random sample of 450 undergraduates (mean age = 21.3 years) completed the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Psychological Flexibility Scale, and Psychological Well-Being Scale. Psychometric properties were confirmed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.89, 0.88, and 0.91 respectively. Independent t-tests revealed a significant gender difference only in psychological flexibility (p = 0.015, d = 0.23). Correlations showed significant relationships between all variables (r = -0.54 to 0.63, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis (PROCESS Model 4) indicated that the indirect effect was significant (indirect effect = -0.29, Boot 95% CI [-0.39, -0.20]), while the direct effect became non-significant (c' = -0.11, p = 0.086), confirming full mediation with 55.8% of the effect mediated. These findings clarify that intolerance of uncertainty undermines well-being primarily by weakening psychological flexibility. Universities should design ACT-based intervention programs to enhance psychological flexibility among students with high intolerance of uncertainty.