Intolerance of uncertainty mediates the relationship between locus of control and depression in older adults

This study investigated the relationship between locus of control and depression among older adults, with a particular focus on the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty. We measured locus of control, depression symptoms, and intolerance of uncertainty among 367 older adults from three nursing home facilities in Beijing and Xi’an, China. The findings revealed that women exhibited significantly higher depression levels compared to men, external locus of control significantly predicted depression symptoms in older adults, and intolerance of uncertainty partially mediated the relationship between locus of control and depression. These findings demonstrate that depression among older adults is significantly associated with their locus of control orientation, and intolerance of uncertainty serves as an important psychological mechanism in this relationship.