The Effect of Psychological Maltreatment and Self-Differentiation on Social Anxiety with the Mediating Role of Psychological Flexibility

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the relationship between psychological maltreatment, self-differentiation, and social anxiety, with the mediating role of psychological flexibility. Methodology: This study is a descriptive correlational research. The statistical population included all adult men and women aged 18–40 who visited Mehr Alborz Therapy Clinic and the University of Tehran Clinic, both located in Tehran Province, between 2021 and 2022. The sample size was estimated at 148 individuals using the Krejcie and Morgan table, and participants were selected through purposive sampling based on the study's inclusion criteria. Data were collected using four standardized questionnaires: the Psychological Maltreatment Scale (AMI24), the Self-Differentiation Scale (DSI), the Psychological Flexibility Scale (CFI), and the Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistical indices (frequency, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (structural equation modeling). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS-26 and Smart PLS-3.3 software. Findings: In this study, 148 participants (117 men and 31 women) were examined, with 79.1% being male. Regarding educational level, 27.7% had an education level below a high school diploma, 52% had a high school diploma, and 20.3% had an associate degree. The results showed that the R² value for social anxiety (0.669) and psychological flexibility (0.318) was significantly high. The indirect effect of self-differentiation on social anxiety through psychological flexibility was significant (t = 2.371, β = 0.214). Additionally, psychological maltreatment had a significant positive effect on psychological flexibility (t > 1.96, β = 5.803). Psychological maltreatment, with a standardized beta coefficient of 5.803, had a significant positive impact on psychological flexibility (t > 1.96). Moreover, psychological flexibility had a significant positive impact on social anxiety, with a standardized beta coefficient of 5.825 (t > 1.96). The indirect t-value obtained from the Sobel test for assessing the significance of the mediation effect was 4.111. Conclusion: Self-differentiation can positively influence psychological maltreatment and psychological flexibility. Additionally, psychological flexibility can mediate the relationship between self-differentiation and psychological maltreatment.