The Relationship Between Adult Attachment and Interpersonal Problem : Multiple-Mediating Effects of Internalized Shame, Rejection Sensitivity and Mentalization of Undergraduate Students

The purpose of this study was to investigate the multiple-mediating effects of internalized shame, rejection sensitivity, and mentalization on the relationship between adult attachment and interpersonal problems among undergraduate students. An online survey was conducted with undergraduate students from across the country, resulting in a total of 549 completed responses. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling with SPSS 25.0, and AMOS 23.0. The findings indicate that attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, internalized shame, rejection sensitivity, and mentalization are significant predictors of interpersonal problems in undergraduate students. Notably, the effects varied based on levels of attachment anxiety or attachment avoidance. These results suggest that interpersonal interventions should be taliored according to specific levels of attachment(anxiety, and avoidance) and highlight the importance of considering adult attachment, internalized shame, rejection sensitivity, and mentalization: in a comprehensive manner.