THE EFFECT OF MINDFULNESS-BASED INTERVENTIONS ON ANXIETY DISORDERS THROUGH INTOLERANCE OF UNCERTAINTY AND RESILIENCE

Abstract

Anxiety is one of the most complicated and widespread mental health conditions, and effective treatment of anxiety disorders is vital to public health. Investigating the mechanisms that are linked to and contribute to anxiety disorders, such as intolerance of uncertainty (IU), a transdiagnostic factor of all anxiety disorders, may be an appropriate approach for a better understanding of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, examining the role of resilience, which has a protective function in mental health conditions, could contribute to improving our understanding of anxiety and treatment. This thesis investigates the impact of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), on anxiety, IU, and resilience. The primary research question of this thesis was 'What is the role of MBI on anxiety disorders, IU, and resilience?' Four different studies were carried out to address this question. Study one consists of a systematic review examining the impact of MBIs on anxiety and IU and evidence from the literature. The findings confirmed the association between IU and anxiety and showed that common interventions for anxiety are effective in reducing IU and anxiety symptoms. Results also suggested that targeting IU in treatment may be beneficial. Secondly, a small qualitative study was performed to examine anxious individuals' opinions about anxiety, common coping mechanisms, common treatments, and views on IU and resilience. The second study provides insight into the experience of anxiety, coping mechanisms and treatments. The study revealed that mindfulness was not well known as an approach and there was dissatisfaction with more standard treatments. Thirdly a quantitative study was conducted to understand whether mindfulness has a role in the relationship between anxiety and uncertainty with a larger sample. Findings demonstrated that mindfulness plays a mediating role between anxiety and IU. Finally, a case study was conducted to test an MBI on an anxious individual and to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of this intervention. Results showed that MBI is effective in changing anxiety symptoms, IU, and resilience. Collectively, these findings provide evidence that mindfulness has an important role in anxiety, IU, and resilience. A targeted MBI may reduce anxiety symptoms and increase psychological resilience.