Relationship of Attentional Control and Intolerance of Uncertainty with Hoarding Behaviour among University Boarding Students

Abstract

Background: Hoarding disorder is increasingly recognized as a significant mental health condition characterized by an excessive acquisition and difficulty in discarding possessions. While previous research has identified genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors contributing to hoarding behaviors, studies in the Pakistani context, particularly among university students, are scarce. This study investigates the role of attentional control and intolerance of uncertainty in relation to hoarding behaviors among university boarding students in Pakistan. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationships between hoarding behaviors, attentional control, and intolerance of uncertainty, and to explore the demographic influences on these variables, with a focus on gender differences. Methods: Utilizing a correlational and cross-sectional design, this study recruited a balanced sample of 200 university boarding students (100 males and 100 females) via simple random sampling. The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), Attention Control Scale (ATC), and Saving Inventory Scale (SI-R) were employed to measure the respective constructs. Data were collected through paper-based questionnaires, with analysis conducted using SPSS version 25. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and t-tests for gender comparison. Results: The results indicated a moderate positive correlation between hoarding behaviors and intolerance of uncertainty (r = .33, p < .01), and a negative correlation between attentional control and intolerance of uncertainty (r = -.19, p < .01). Gender differences were significant, with males exhibiting higher mean scores in hoarding behaviors (M = 45.13, SD = 10.67) compared to females (M = 39.12, SD = 10.38), and similar patterns were observed for other studied variables. Education and socioeconomic status showed no significant effects on the relationships studied. Conclusion: The study underscores the significant impact of intolerance of uncertainty and attentional control on hoarding behaviors among university students in Pakistan, with distinct gender differences suggesting the need for targeted interventions. This research contributes to the understanding of hoarding in a novel cultural context and supports the development of specific therapeutic strategies focusing on cognitive and emotional regulation.