Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the moderated mediating role of Repetitive Negative Thinking and Meaning in Life in the relationship between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Aging Anxiety. A total of 256 participants were enrolled, and the assessment involved several questionnaires: the Korean-Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-14, the Anxiety about Aging Scale, the Korean Version of the Perseverative Thinking Scale, and The Meaning in Life Scale. The main findings are as follows. First, significant statistical relationships were observed between Intolerance of Uncertainty, Aging Anxiety, Repetitive Negative Thinking, and Meaning in Life. Second, a significant mediating effect of Repetitive Negative Thinking on the relationship between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Aging Anxiety was documented. Third, Meaning in Life significantly moderated the impact of Intolerance of Uncertainty on Repetitive Negative Thinking. Fourth, the mediating role of Repetitive Negative Thinking was significantly influenced by Meaning in Life in the relationship between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Aging Anxiety. The study results reveal that the mediating effect of Repetitive Negative Thinking in the relationship between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Aging Anxiety systematically varies according to the level of Meaning in Life. The paper concludes by discussing the significance and limitations of this study and offers recommendations for subsequent research.