The Serial Mediating Role of Psychological Vulnerability and Meaning-Based Coping in the Relationship between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Externality of Happiness

Intolerance of uncertainty is considered an important variable that shapes individuals' cognitive and emotional responses to uncertain situations. In this regard, individuals' tendency to attribute their happiness to external factors, namely the externality of happiness, is regarded as a notable outcome variable. Revealing the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between these two variables may contribute to a better understanding of this process. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to examine the serial mediating role of psychological vulnerability and meaning-based coping in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and externality of happiness. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 364 participants aged between 18 and 61. The sample comprised 233 (64%) females and 131 (36%) males. The mean age of the participants was 21.140 (SD = 4.065), and the majority of the sample consisted of young adults. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships among the variables. In addition, serial mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS Model 6 to test the serial mediating role of psychological vulnerability and meaning-based coping in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and externality of happiness. The results revealed significant relationships among all variables. The findings of the serial mediation analysis indicated that psychological vulnerability and meaning-based coping had a serial mediating role in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and externality of happiness. All these findings suggest that intolerance of uncertainty, psychological vulnerability, and meaning-based coping are associated with individuals' tendency to attribute happiness to external factors. Since the study has a cross-sectional design, these associations do not allow for causal interpretation. Nevertheless, the three variables may be considered potential targets in future intervention research. The findings are discussed with reference to guidance and psychological counseling practices in educational settings.