The influence of ambiguity tolerance on psychological well-being: The roles of interest-type epistemic curiosity and wisdom

In an era characterized by increasing complexity and uncertainty, tolerance of ambiguity has become a critical psychological resource for individual well-being. This study investigates the relationship between ambiguity tolerance and psychological well-being, examining the mediating roles of interest-type epistemic curiosity and wisdom. A total of 612 college students completed the Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance-II, Epistemic Curiosity Scale, Abbreviated San Diego Wisdom Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. After controlling for gender and grade, the results indicated that: (1) Ambiguity tolerance positively predicts psychological well-being; (2) Interest-type epistemic curiosity mediates the relationship between ambiguity tolerance and psychological well-being; (3) Wisdom also mediates the relationship between ambiguity tolerance and psychological well-being; and (4) Ambiguity tolerance positively predicts psychological well-being through the sequential mediation of interest-type epistemic curiosity and wisdom. These findings underscore the pivotal role of ambiguity tolerance in fostering well-being and elucidate the multiple psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship. The study provides valuable insights for developing interventions aimed at enhancing psychological well-being through the cultivation of ambiguity tolerance, interest-type epistemic curiosity, and wisdom.