Examining the effect of gratitude on intolerance of uncertainty and loneliness

ABSTRACT

Loneliness has been demonstrated to have significant negative effects on overall well-being in the general population. Previous literature has demonstrated a significant association between loneliness and various demographic variables such as gender, age, educational attainment, relationship status, living arrangements and income. Because of the unique impact that the disease caused by the coronavirus, COVID-19, has had on a global scale in relation to physical distancing and increasing physical and psychological distress, the purpose of this study was to examine the role that gratitude played in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and loneliness among the general adult population of the United States. The association between loneliness and the demographic variables in question were examined through an ANOVA and post-hoc pairwise t-test for categorical variables, and a bivariate correlation for continuous variables. A hierarchical regression analysis was utilized to explain the variance of loneliness among the participants of the study. Additionally, a hierarchical regression was utilized to assess the possible moderating effect of gratitude on the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and loneliness. Results from a nationally representative sample of 281 adults from the general population of the United States was used to examine how loneliness may be affecting individuals differently within the country. Evidence from this study showed a statistically significant association between loneliness and the demographic variables of age, education, relationship status, and income. Evidence from the hierarchical regression provided support for the hypothesis that a significant association exists between intolerance of uncertainty and loneliness. Results from the interaction term of intolerance of uncertainty x gratitude provided did not provide evidence that gratitude acts as a moderating variable on the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and loneliness. Theoretical, research, and clinical implications are discussed suggesting how further inquiry may be conducted to better understand the impact of gratitude on both intolerance of uncertainty and loneliness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)