From intolerance of uncertainty to action crisis: The mediating role of goal self-efficacy

Abstract

This study examined the mediating role of goal self-efficacy in the relationship between components of intolerance of uncertainty (prospective and inhibitory anxiety) and action crisis during goal pursuit in emerging adulthood. Conducted longitudinally across three stages, the study employed questionnaires to assess intolerance of uncertainty in the first stage, goal self-efficacy in the first and second stage, and action crisis in the third stage. Only participants who maintained the same work-related goal over two years were included, resulting in a final sample of 41 emerging adults (75.6% women). Data were analysed using bootstrapping (5,000 samples, 95% confidence interval). Results indicated that goal self-efficacy was strongly and negatively associated with both action crisis and inhibitory anxiety. Mediation analyses provided partial support for the proposed model: goal self-efficacy significantly mediated the relationship between inhibitory anxiety and action crisis, particularly when measured concurrently. In contrast, the mediation effect for prospective anxiety was not significant, despite some individual paths being statistically meaningful. These findings suggest that the tendency to freeze or avoid decisions in uncertain situations (inhibitory anxiety) may undermine goal self-efficacy and increase vulnerability to action crisis, whereas future-oriented worry (prospective anxiety) may not impair self-efficacy to the same extent. The study highlights the importance of distinguishing between components of intolerance of uncertainty when examining goal pursuit. Limitations include a small and predominantly female sample, which may affect the generalizability of results.

Keywords

work goals, goal self-efficacy, action crisis, intolerance of uncertainty, longitudinal

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