The relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and alcohol use in first responders: a cross-sectional study of the direct, mediating and moderating role of generalized resistance resources

Abstract

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) refers to the disproportionate propensity to react negatively to uncertain events, and it has been associated with negative psychological outcomes such as depression and anxiety. The current study examined the role of resilience, hardiness, self-efficacy and self-compassion in the relationship between IU and alcohol use in a sample of South African first responders. These variables are examples of what is referred to as generalized resistance resources, which enable individuals to deal with the challenges of life. A sample of 429 first responders completed the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-10, the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Short Hardiness Scale and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. The results of PROCESS analyses found direct and mediating effects for resilience and self-efficacy, no effects for hardiness and moderating effects for self-compassion. In this regard, a graph of the interaction between intolerance of uncertainty and self-compassion showed that at low levels of self-compassion, the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and alcohol use was strong and significant, while at high levels of self-compassion the relationship was non-significant. In addition, the Johnson–Neyman plot showed that the exact value of self-compassion at which point the relationship between intolerance and uncertainty ceased to be significant was 36.37. These obtained results confirm the important role of generalized resistance resources in wellbeing and provide a basis for tailored interventions.