Structural modeling of fear of intimacy based on emotional processing styles with the mediating role of self-compassion in individuals aged 25 to 50 years

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of counseling, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Psychology, La.C., Islamic AzadUniversity, Lahijan , Iran.)Corresponding author(

3 Department of counseling, SR.C. , Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22038/mjms.2025.26799

Abstract

Introduction
The present study aimed to structurally model fear of intimacy based on emotional processing styles with the mediating role of self-compassion in individuals aged 25 to 50 years. The study is a descriptive-correlational and structural equation modeling type.
Material and Method
The statistical population of this study included all individuals aged 25 to 50 years who visited counseling centers and psychology clinics in Tehran in 1402. 300 people were selected using purposeful and accessible non-random sampling. Data in this study were obtained by questionnaires on fear of intimacy (Deschottner and Tellen, 1991), emotional processing styles (Baker et al., 2010), and self-compassion (Reis et al., 2011). Data analysis was performed using Smart Pls-V3 software. The results of the study showed that emotional processing styles, directly and indirectly, with the mediating role of self-compassion, can predict fear of intimacy in people aged 25 to 50 years. Results
The results also indicated that the tested model has a good fit in the studied sample, and considering that the factor loadings of all the model's apparent variables are greater than 0.4 and the significance is greater than 1.96, it can be said that the present construct has a good validity.
Conclusion
These findings can help psychology and counseling professionals design effective interventions to reduce fear of intimacy and improve interpersonal relationships. Also, this study provides a better understanding of the emotional and social complexities in people in adulthood and middle age and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion as an effective factor in improving the quality of interpersonal relationships and improving mental health.

Keywords

Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences
Volume 68, Issue 3
May and June 2025

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