The indirect effect of communication skills on the relationship between emotional maturity and mental health disorders among a sample of Egyptian university students

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the indirect effect of communication skills on the relationship between emotional maturity and mental health disorders (anxiety and depression) among a sample of Egyptian university students, while also examining potential differences based on gender (male/female) and academic specialization (scientific/literary). A total of 236 undergraduate and postgraduate students were recruited from two faculties at Ain Shams University. The findings revealed: (1) a significant negative correlation between emotional maturity and mental health disorders, as well as between communication skills and mental health disorders; (2) a statistically significant indirect (partial mediating) effect of communication skills on the relationship between emotional maturity and both anxiety and depression; and (3) notable differences in emotional maturity and communication skills across academic specializations. Specifically, students in scientific disciplines demonstrated stronger communication skills yet reported higher depressive symptoms, whereas those in literary disciplines exhibited higher emotional maturity alongside elevated anxiety symptoms. These results underscore the importance of fostering both emotional maturity and communication skills to support better mental health outcomes among Egyptian university students.