Spiritual Intelligence and Resilience as Buffers in the Relationship Between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Health Anxiety Among Competitive Exam Aspirants in India

Abstract

The competitive examination systems in India ensure that millions of students spend several years in a state of uncertainty. In light of the increasing student distress and suicide rates, this not only concerns academic but also psychological stress. This is observed in some students as health anxiety, wherein normal physical sensations are associated with symptoms of severe illness.

One such reason for this is intolerance of uncertainty, which involves viewing ambiguous situations as dangerous. Yet, people differ in their tolerance of uncertainty. This raises a curiosity: What psychological variables contribute to protecting one from anxiety?

This paper explores the associations between intolerance of uncertainty and health anxiety among individuals in competitive academic environments in India, exploring whether resilience and spiritual intelligence are moderating variables. Adopting a cross-sectional methodology, data from 177 participants was collected using standardized scales (IUS-12, SHAI-18, SISRI-24, BRS-6), and analysis was performed using correlation and hierarchical regression methods.

The findings revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between intolerance of uncertainty and health anxiety. While spiritual intelligence moderated the relationship, resilience did not.

By placing cognitive vulnerability in the context of the competitive academic environment in India, this paper demonstrates the relevance of internal resources in dealing with anxiety in uncertain conditions.