Impact of Intolerance Uncertainty on Psychological Distress and Academic Burnout among University Students: Moderating Role of Resilience

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to explore the relationship between academic burnout, psychological distress, intolerance of uncertainty and the role of resilience as a moderating factor in these relationships. It is research based on cross sectional quantitative approach with sampling 400 students at university consisting of undergraduate and post graduate students. The survey instruments that were employed to measure intolerance of uncertainty, psychological distress, academic burnout and resilience were IUS-12, K10, BABQ-15 and BRS-6, respectively. Regression and moderation analysis were performed on the data using the PROCESS macro. Results showed that there were statistically significant strong positive correlations (p <.01) between academic burnout, psychological discomfort, and intolerance of uncertainty. Intolerance of uncertainty significantly positively predicted psychological distress (R² =.58, p <.001) by regression analysis. Lower intolerance of uncertainty (R² =.42, p <.001) significantly predicted academic burnout, on the other hand. In addition, a moderation study revealed that the positive connection that exists between academic burnout and psychological discomfort and intolerance of uncertainty is strongly moderated by high resilience. Based on this research, interventions to promote resilience and reduce the negative psychological impact in the university context were designed.