© 2022 Elsevier LtdAim: To determine the moderating role of descriptive characteristics in the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Background: This research assumed that descriptive characteristics played a moderating role in the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and coping styles. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional and correlational research design was used to collect data. Methods: The students studying at nursing schools in Turkey constituted the population (1047) of the study, among whom a study sample consisting of 531 students was determined. The research data were obtained in 2020 through an online survey created on Google Forms. The research data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale and Coping Styles Scale Brief Form. Data analysis and interpretation were performed on SPSS 26.0 software package and Process Macro 4.0 plug-in program. Besides, descriptive statistics, relational analysis, normality assessment, regression analysis and moderating impact analysis were also performed. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.17 ± 1.53 % and 81.5 % of them were women. Coping strategies and intolerance of uncertainty were stronger in women than in men. The impact of intolerance of uncertainty on coping styles varied according to the academic year. While intolerance of uncertainty significantly affected coping styles among last-semester students, this effect was not significant among first-semester students. Additionally, the impact of intolerance of uncertainty on coping styles showed no difference by gender. However, intolerance of uncertainty was found to influence coping styles in both male and female students. This effect was stronger in men. Conclusion: We concluded that a student's academic year played a moderating role, whereas gender had no moderating effect.