Comparison of Intolerance of Uncertainty, Interpersonal Mindfulness, and Emotional Self-Efficacy in Individuals With and Without Psychosomatic Musculoskeletal Pain

Abstract

The present study aimed to compare intolerance of uncertainty, interpersonal mindfulness, and emotional self-efficacy in individuals with and without psychosomatic musculoskeletal pain. This quantitative study employed a causal-comparative, ex post facto, and cross-sectional design. The statistical population consisted of individuals with and without psychosomatic musculoskeletal pain attending Rah-e Farda Psychology Clinic and Hamraz Psychology and Social Work Clinic in Tehran during 2026. A total of 100 participants were selected through convenience sampling and assigned to two groups of 50 individuals with and without psychosomatic musculoskeletal pain. Participants in the affected group were identified based on a score above the cutoff point of 9 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-15, while the non-affected group was approximately matched with the affected group in terms of age, gender, education, and marital status. Data were collected using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Interpersonal Mindfulness Questionnaire, Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-15. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and independent-samples t tests. Independent-samples t tests indicated that individuals with psychosomatic musculoskeletal pain had significantly higher intolerance of uncertainty than those without psychosomatic pain, t(98)=-5.814, p=0.001. Interpersonal mindfulness was significantly lower in the affected group, t(98)=2.723, p=0.008. Significant group differences were observed in presence, awareness of self and others, and nonjudgmental acceptance, whereas the difference in nonreactivity was not significant, p=0.469. Emotional self-efficacy was also significantly lower in individuals with psychosomatic musculoskeletal pain, t(98)=2.855, p=0.005. Significant differences were found in emotional perception, facilitation of thought, and emotion regulation, while the difference in analysis of emotions was not significant, p=0.097. Individuals with psychosomatic musculoskeletal pain appear to demonstrate greater cognitive and emotional vulnerability, characterized by higher intolerance of uncertainty and lower interpersonal mindfulness and emotional self-efficacy; therefore, these factors should be considered in psychological assessment and intervention programs for this population.