The Intermediate Role of Alexitimia in The Relationship Between Perceived Parenting Attitudes and Psychological Symptoms

Abstract

The main aim of this research is to test the mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between perceived parenting styles and psychological symptoms. A total of 595 participants were included in the study, and they were administered a sociodemographic information form, the Young Parenting Scale, the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. The scales were collected through both online and face-to-face methods. Since normal distribution was achieved, parametric tests were used. Relationships were examined using Pearson correlation analysis and path analysis. Obsessive and maladaptive parenting subdimensions were created, and four structural models were tested based on these dimensions. The analysis results indicated that alexithymia plays a significant mediating role in the effect of parenting styles on psychological symptoms. Additionally, positive relationships were found between parenting styles, alexithymia, and psychological symptoms. The results of the study were discussed within a theoretical and conceptual framework, and various recommendations were made for researchers and clinicians.