Hopelessness and perceived stress: the mediating role of cognitive flexibility and intolerance of uncertainty

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the relationships among hopelessness, cognitive flexibility, intolerance of uncertainty, and perceived stress in a non-clinical sample by proposing a multiple mediation model. It was suggested that hopeless individuals have low cognitive flexibility and high intolerance of uncertainty; consequently, they are more likely to perceive stress. Method: The participants of this study comprised 302 university students (46.7% female and 53.3% male) between 18 and 40 years of age who were recruited from a state university in Turkey. To collect data, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale were applied. Results: The results showed that hopelessness is negatively correlated with cognitive flexibility and positively correlated with intolerance of uncertainty and perceived stress. Cognitive flexibility has been found to be negatively correlated with intolerance of uncertainty and perceived stress. There is also a positive correlation between intolerance of uncertainty and perceived stress. The mediation of cognitive flexibility and intolerance of uncertainty in the relationship between hopelessness and perceived stress is also statistically significant in the model, and all variables explain approximately 37.0% of the variance in perceived stress. Conclusion: The findings of the study are considered to provide a guide for mental health professionals and researchers.