Earthquake fear, doomscrolling, anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty: A longitudinal serial mediation study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the level of intolerance of uncertainty experienced by earthquake victims due to earthquake fear, doomscrolling and anxiety approximately 1 year after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake. A total of 255 Turkish University students (83.9% female, M age  = 21.81 years, SD = 3.81) completed self-report questionnaires on earthquake fear, doomscrolling, anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty. Data collection was carried out in two waves 6 months intervals. The results showed that doomscrolling and anxiety were serial mediators in the relationship between earthquake fear and intolerance of uncertainty, and earthquake fear affected intolerance of uncertainty through three mediation pathways. Interventions aimed at making earthquake fear controllable may also be effective in reducing the risk of intolerance of uncertainty. Finally, the effect of doomscrolling and anxiety on the development of intolerance to uncertainty after a disaster should also be considered in practice as a clinical implication.

Neurotransmitters

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• Doomscrolling