Intolerance of uncertainty, chronotype, laughter, and hope in high-risk pregnant women: A latent profile analysis

This study aimed to determine the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty, chronotype, laughter frequency, and hope level in high-risk pregnant women. A descriptive and correlational study was conducted on 240 pregnant women diagnosed with high-risk pregnancy in the obstetric service of a university hospital. Data was collected using an information form, the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, and the Herth Hope Scale. Independent samples t-test, logistic regression, path analysis, mediation analysis, and latent profile analysis were used to analyze the data. According to the results of latent profile analysis, two different profiles were identified among pregnant women with positive and negative moods. It was observed that socio-economic status, increased number of pregnancy losses, and unplanned pregnancy increased the likelihood of being in the second profile. Path analysis results show no relationship between chronotype and intolerance of uncertainty (p = 0.378). However, laughter was associated with lower level of intolerance of uncertainty and higher levels of hope. In addition, it was found that intolerance of uncertainty was associated with a decrease in the level of hope, while chronotype was associated with higher levels of hope. The Smiley Face Rating Scale was found to partially mediate the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and hope, and this mediator mediated 25% of the relationship between the two variables. Considering the diversity of emotions among pregnant women, health professionals can benefit from the effects of laughter that supports coping with uncertainty and maintaining hope.