The mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between rejection sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty

The present study examined the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between adult rejection sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty. A cross-sectional research design was employed with a sample of 296 undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18–25 years, recruited through convenience sampling. Participants completed standardized measures assessing rejection sensitivity, self-compassion, and intolerance of uncertainty. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that rejection sensitivity was negatively associated with self-compassion and positively associated with intolerance of uncertainty, while self-compassion was negatively associated with intolerance of uncertainty. Mediation analysis indicated that rejection sensitivity significantly predicted lower self-compassion, and self-compassion significantly predicted lower intolerance of uncertainty. Although rejection sensitivity was directly associated with intolerance of uncertainty, this relationship became non-significant when self-compassion was included in the model. The indirect effect was statistically significant, indicating indirect-only mediation. These findings suggest that self-compassion functions as a key psychological mechanism linking interpersonal sensitivity to distress related to uncertainty. The study contributes to the literature on emotional regulation processes and highlights the potential importance of self-compassion-based interventions in reducing maladaptive responses to perceived rejection and uncertain situations.