The Role of Mentalization in Linking Trauma, Attachment Styles, and Rejection Sensitivity to Interpersonal Relationships
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Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate how trauma, attachment issues, and rejection sensitivity impact interpersonal relationships, and how mentalization plays a role in mediating these effects among both male and female clients at psychology and counseling clinics.
Methods and Materials: The current research was a descriptive-correlational study utilizing a cross-sectional research design. The structural model method and path analysis were employed to investigate the impact of the mediator variable. The statistical population for this study comprised all male and female individuals seeking services at psychology and counseling clinics in Tehran from July to October 2023 (Male (%49.7) and female (%50.3)). A total of 191 participants were randomly selected to form the statistical sample. Research instruments utilized in this study included the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ), Communication Skills Questionnaire (CSQ), and Reflective Function Questionnaire (RFQ). Data analysis was performed in the descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation section using SPSS version 27 software, and path analysis and model fitting were performed using SMARTPLS version 4. Statistical analysis was performed with a p-value of 0.05.
Findings: According to the study results, rejection sensitivity adversely affected interpersonal relationships through mentalization (β = -0.087, p = 0.002). Similarly, trauma was correlated to a detrimental impact on interpersonal relationships via mentalization (β = -0.132, p = 0.001). Additionally, research showed that individuals with an avoidant attachment style experienced significant negative consequences in their interpersonal relationships (β = -0.229, p = 0.001). On the other hand, mentalization was discovered to have a favorable impact on interpersonal relationships (β = 0.303, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: This research underscores the significance of mentalization and secure attachment style in enhancing interpersonal relationships and brings attention to the detrimental impact of rejection sensitivity and trauma. These results have the potential to assist psychologists and counselors in offering more efficient therapies through a focus on mentalization, attachment style, and minimizing the repercussions of trauma and rejection sensitivity.
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