LE3 .A278 2023

2023

Bell, Kathryn
Holmberg, Diane

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Psychology

Psychology

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) involves being fearful of the unknown and/or the future, with those high in IU being more likely to experience greater difficulties coping with uncertainty. IU tends to be associated with heightened anxiety, jealousy, and anger, which are also related to an increased likelihood of perpetrating intimate partner violence (IPV). Theoretically, IU might be a risk factor for psychological IPV perpetration; however, little research has been done to examine this potential relationship, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study examined whether IU was a predictor of psychological aggression perpetration both cross-sectionally (n = 1118) and longitudinally, through daily diaries (n = 336) and a follow-up study (n = 399), among LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was hypothesized that higher levels of IU would be related to higher levels of psychological aggression perpetration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicated that IU significantly predicted psychological IPV perpetration cross-sectionally but not longitudinally. Furthermore, psychological IPV perpetration did not increase over time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, LGBTQ+ identity did not predict psychological IPV perpetration. However, when covariates (e.g., age) were removed, LGBTQ+ individuals had significantly higher IU levels than non-LGBTQ+ individuals. Finally, the current study found that LGBTQ+ identity did not moderate the strength of the association between IU and psychological IPV perpetration. Given that those high in IU are more likely to perpetrate IPV, it may be beneficial to target IU clinically in order to reduce IPV perpetration.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:4038