Abstract

This study aims to examine whether intolerance of uncertainty and perceived control are indirectly associated with pathologi- cal worry through experiential avoidance. A total of 406 adults (aged 19–29 years) across South Korea completed question- naires assessing intolerance of uncertainty (IUS-12), perceived control (K-ACQ), experiential avoidance (AAQ-16), and path- ological worry (K-PSWQ). Findings showed that the competing model was more appropriate than the research model. In the competing model, the relation between intolerance of uncertainty and pathological worry was partly accounted for by experi- ential avoidance, whereas the relation between perceived control and pathological worry was accounted for through experien- tial avoidance. Subsequent path analysis controlling for gender indicated that the direct path from experiential avoidance to pathological worry had a larger standardized coefficient than the direct path from intolerance of uncertainty to pathological worry. These findings underscore the relevance of intolerance of uncertainty and experiential avoidance to pathological worry, as emphasized in the Intolerance of Uncertainty Model and the Acceptance-Based Model, respectively. They also point to the potential utility of acceptance-based behavioral interventions for pathological worry. The implications and limitations of the study are discussed.