This data, supports a study where we explore the link between belongingness and intolerance of uncertainty (anxiety) in individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, crucial for understanding suicide risks and enhancing psychological interventions. We examine two models explaining the development of anxiety and thwarted belongingness, controlling for factors like stigma and current mood state.
Method
A total of 132 participants with a self-reported Bipolar Disorder diagnosis completed an online survey. Linear regression was used to analyse the association between intolerance of uncertainty and thwarted belongingness, controlling for confounding variables.
Results
Thwarted belongingness emerged as the sole significant predictor of intolerance of uncertainty (Beta = .41, 95% CI .17 to .66). In models assessing thwarted belongingness, both being in a mood episode and intolerance of uncertainty were significant predictors (ps <.05). Additionally, the last model revealed that perceived stigma (Beta = .27, 95% CI .06 to .48) and higher depression levels (Beta = .24, 95% CI .02 to .46) also significantly worsened feelings of non-belonging.
Conclusions
The findings indicate a bidirectional relationship where a lack of social belonging exacerbates feelings of uncertainty and anxiety and vice versa. This underscores the intricate relationship between social integration and affective responses in Bipolar Disorder. Targeting intolerance of uncertainty and enhancing belongingness in interventions could thus be highly beneficial.