Preventive Care in Nursing and Midwifery Journal
Volume 15, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Prev Care Nurs Midwifery J 2025, 15(4): 19-27 |
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Ethics code: IR.IAU.Z.REC.1403.008
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khanbabaei F, sobhi A. Comparison of Emotional Expressivity and Tolerance of Ambiguity in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Healthy Controls: A Cross-Sectional Study. Prev Care Nurs Midwifery J 2025; 15 (4) :19-27
URL: http://nmcjournal.zums.ac.ir/article-1-960-en.html
URL: http://nmcjournal.zums.ac.ir/article-1-960-en.html
zanjan islamic university , fatemehkhanbabaie@yahoo.com
Abstract: (373 Views)
Background: Emotional expressivity and tolerance of ambiguity are psychological factors linked to adjustment in chronic illness. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by long-term treatment and uncertainty, may significantly impact these variables. Identifying differences between patients and healthy individuals can inform targeted psychological support.
Objective: This study compared emotional expressivity and tolerance of ambiguity between adults with CKD and healthy controls.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 180 CKD patients were purposively recruited from renal care centers in Zanjan (spring-summer 2024). A matched group of 180 healthy individuals was selected via convenience sampling. Participants completed the Emotional Expressivity Questionnaire (EEQ) and the Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance Scale-II (MSTAT-II). Group comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests, with Cohen’s d for effect sizes (α=0.05).
Results: Emotional expressivity was significantly lower in the CKD group (M=48.5, SD=13.4) than in controls (M=52.4, SD=9.7), with a mean difference of -3.9 (95% CI: -6.4 to -1.4; p=0.002) and a moderate effect size (d=0.33). In contrast, no significant difference was found in tolerance of ambiguity between CKD patients (M=40.9, SD=9.86) and controls (M=39.43, SD=8.72), with a mean difference of 1.47 (95% CI: -0.36 to 3.30; p=0.56) and a small effect size (d=0.16).
Conclusion: While ambiguity tolerance was similar between groups, CKD patients exhibited notably reduced emotional expressivity. This underscores the emotional burden of CKD and highlights the need for integrative care models that promote emotional awareness and expression as part of standard clinical management.
Objective: This study compared emotional expressivity and tolerance of ambiguity between adults with CKD and healthy controls.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 180 CKD patients were purposively recruited from renal care centers in Zanjan (spring-summer 2024). A matched group of 180 healthy individuals was selected via convenience sampling. Participants completed the Emotional Expressivity Questionnaire (EEQ) and the Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance Scale-II (MSTAT-II). Group comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests, with Cohen’s d for effect sizes (α=0.05).
Results: Emotional expressivity was significantly lower in the CKD group (M=48.5, SD=13.4) than in controls (M=52.4, SD=9.7), with a mean difference of -3.9 (95% CI: -6.4 to -1.4; p=0.002) and a moderate effect size (d=0.33). In contrast, no significant difference was found in tolerance of ambiguity between CKD patients (M=40.9, SD=9.86) and controls (M=39.43, SD=8.72), with a mean difference of 1.47 (95% CI: -0.36 to 3.30; p=0.56) and a small effect size (d=0.16).
Conclusion: While ambiguity tolerance was similar between groups, CKD patients exhibited notably reduced emotional expressivity. This underscores the emotional burden of CKD and highlights the need for integrative care models that promote emotional awareness and expression as part of standard clinical management.
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Knowledge Translation Statement
Audience: Nursing managers and hospital administrators
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) show significantly lower emotional expressivity compared to healthy individuals, while tolerance of ambiguity does not differ between groups. Nursing managers should integrate structured emotional expression training into routine CKD care to help patients process emotions, secure social support, and improve psychosocial adjustment. Routine screening for emotional suppression is also recommended during hospital visits.
Type of Study: Orginal research |
Subject:
other
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