Mediating Role of Coronavirus Anxiety and Cognitive Flexibility in the Relationship Between Personality Traits and Intolerance of Uncertainty in Pregnant Women

Objective: The aim of the study was determine the mediating role of coronavirus anxiety and cognitive flexibility in the relationship between basic personality traits and intolerance of uncertainty among pregnant women.

Methods: A total of 1000 pregnant women aged between 18 and 45 (29.15 ± 5.51) years were included in the study. Basic Personality Traits Inventory, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, the intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, and Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire were used as scales. Parallel mediation model was used to determine the effect of coronavirus anxiety and cognitive flexibility on the relationship between basic personality traits and intolerance of uncertainty.

Results: Neuroticism, negative valence, coronavirus anxiety, prospective intolerance of uncertainty, and inhibitory intolerance of uncertainty scores of pregnant women who were not vaccinated before pregnancy were higher than in those who were vaccinated. In the mediation analysis, 3 different models were created: extraversion, neuroticism, and negative valence were dependent variables; inhibitory intolerance of uncertainty was the independent variable; coronavirus anxiety and 2 subdimensions of cognitive flexibility showed parallel mediation effects. In all 3 models, the mediating variable with the highest indirect effect was cognitive flexibility control perception.

Conclusion: This study identified which basic personality traits were associated with intolerance of uncertainty. In addition, considering the negative effects of extraordinary situations such as pandemics on some personality traits, it would be beneficial to develop interventions to improve the mental well-being of pregnant women, especially their cognitive flexibility.

Cite this article as: Bilge Y, Keles E, Kaya L. Mediating role of coronavirus anxiety and cognitive flexibility in the relationship between personality traits and intolerance of uncertainty in pregnant women. Neuropsychiatr Invest. 2023;61(3):80-86.