Differentiation of Self and Peter Pan Syndrome In Men of Emerging Adulthood: The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Competence

Peter Pan syndrome is a critical issue seen in men. It is important to examine the relationship with the variables that trigger or alleviate this syndrome. However, it is seen that there is not enough research on this subject in Turkey. It is thought that it is important to fill the research gap on this subject and to draw attention to this issue. Therefore, in a non-clinical sample, this study aims to examine the mediating role of interpersonal competence in the association between differentiation of self and Peter Pan syndrome. It is assumed that individuals with self-differentiation have higher interpersonal competence, as a result, a lower risk of developing Peter Pan syndrome. All of the participants are male. A total of 425 individuals between the ages of 18-30, who were romantically involved or married, participated in the study. The study's result showed that interpersonal competence and differentiation of self are positively correlated with each other, and that Peter Pan syndrome is negatively correlated with both of them. The mediating role of interpersonal competence in the relationship between differentiation of self and Peter Pan syndrome was statistically significant by the mediation analysis. Researchers and experts in the field of mental health are anticipated to use the study's findings as a guide.