The Role of Mentalization in Linking Trauma, Attachment Styles, and Rejection Sensitivity to Interpersonal Relationships

Objective: This study examined the influence of trauma, attachment difficulties, and rejection sensitivity on interpersonal relationships, with a focus on the mediating role of mentalization among clients in psychology and counseling clinics. Methods and Materials: A descriptive–correlational cross-sectional design was employed. The sample consisted of 191 male (49.7%) and female (50.3%) clients attending psychology and counseling clinics in Tehran between July and October 2023. Participants were selected randomly. Research instruments included the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ), Communication Skills Questionnaire (CSQ), and Reflective Function Questionnaire (RFQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation in SPSS (v.27). At the same time, path analysis and structural model testing were performed with SMARTPLS (v.4). A significance level of p = 0.05 was applied. Findings: Results demonstrated that rejection sensitivity negatively affected interpersonal relationships via mentalization (β = –0.087, p = 0.002). Trauma also exerted a detrimental influence through mentalization (β = –0.132, p = 0.001). Avoidant attachment style showed a significant adverse effect on interpersonal relationships (β = –0.229, p = 0.001). Conversely, mentalization was positively associated with relationship quality (β = 0.303, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlights the crucial role of mentalization and secure attachment in improving interpersonal relationships. It also emphasizes the harmful consequences of trauma, rejection sensitivity, and avoidant attachment. These findings may guide psychologists and counselors toward interventions that strengthen mentalization and attachment security while addressing the negative effects of trauma and rejection sensitivity.