مجله علوم روانشناختی (Sep 2022)
The relationship between the activity of brain/behavioral systems and illness anxiety disorder with the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty
Abstract
Background: The Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and Behavioral Activation System (BAS), which primarily underlie emotions and behaviors, are associated with Illness Anxiety Disorder. However, the reasons behind these associations require further exploration. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) in explaining the relationship between Brain / Behavioral Systems and Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD). It is hypothesized that Brain / Behavioral Systems and Intolerance of Uncertainty interacting with each other lead to IAD. However, despite the importance of this model, not enough research has been done in this regard. Methods: The method of this research was descriptive (non-experimental) and the research design was correlational and structural equations. The target population was clinical and it included all patients (male and female) referred to psychological and psychiatric centers in Urmia city. The sample included 200 anxious clients which were selected by purposive sampling method (diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist) and responded Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) and Behavioral Approach System and Behavioral Inhibition System Scales (BAS / BIS). Results: Findings indicate that BIS with effect coefficients of 0.340 and 0.519 and the BAS with effect coefficients of -0.219 and -0.233, respectively, have a positive and negative effect on IAD and IU. Also, IU with a coefficient of effect of 0.414 has a direct and positive effect on IAD. The t-statistic for indirect path coefficients is greater than 1.96 and the significance level is less than 0.05, which indicates the significance and confirmation of all indirect coefficients in the research model (t≥1.96; p≤0.05). Precisely, the findings indicate that the BIS and BAS with indirect effect coefficients of 0.215 and -0.097 due to mediation of IU have a positive and negative effect on IAD, respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the activity of Brain /Behavioral Systems and IU are effective mechanisms in the persistence of IAD and considering these relationships might be beneficial in the etiology and treatment of people with IAD.
