Earthquake fear, sleep quality, and intolerance of uncertainty: A study of adults with earthquake experience

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty in the relationship between fear of earthquake and sleep quality in individuals with direct or indirect earthquake experience. Method: A total of 351 adults who directly or indirectly experienced the 6 February earthquake participated in the study. Data were obtained with the Earthquake Fear Scale, Insomnia Complaints and Sleep Quality Baseline Scale and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. The relationships between the variables were examined using the basic mediation model. Results: In this study, fear of earthquake ((3= .12**, 95% CI = [.03, .20], t=2.89, p<.01) and intolerance of uncertainty ((3= .12***, 95% CI = [.06, .17], t=4.20, p<.001) had a positive and significant effect on insomnia complaints and sleep quality. In addition, intolerance of uncertainty mediated the relationship between fear of earthquake and insomnia complaints and sleep quality ((3= .09***, 95% CI = [.05, .14], SH=.02). Discussion: This study suggests that the increase in insomnia complaints and sleep quality problems in individuals with earthquake experience may be related to the increase in earthquake fear and intolerance of uncertainty. In this direction, it can be suggested that experts working with individuals with earthquake experience should focus on intolerance of uncertainty and fear of earthquake while working with sleep problems. It is also recommended that the experiences of individuals under the age of 18 should be examined and more longitudinal studies should be planned for future studies.