Investigation of the mediating role of childhood experiences and perceived parental acceptance-rejection in the relationship between alexithymic characteristics and the level of social anxiety in adolescents aged 14-17

In this study, it was aimed to examine the mediating role of childhood experiences and perceived parental acceptance and rejection in the relationship between alexithymic characteristics and social anxiety level in adolescents aged 14-17 years. The sample of the study consisted of 429 students (222 females, 207 males) studying in the 9th, 10th and 11th grades of Izmir Gazi Anatolian High School. In the study, the relational screening model, which is one of the quantitative research methods, was applied. Demographic Information Form, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (ESCA), Childhood Experiences Scale (CDI), and Child-Adolescent Parent Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire/Control (Parent Form) were used as data collection tools. According to the findings, statistically significant positive correlations were found between alexithymia, social anxiety, negative childhood experiences and perceived parental acceptance-rejection variables. It has been determined that negative childhood experiences and perceived parental acceptance and rejection have a partial mediating role in this relationship. While negative childhood experiences and perceived father rejection decrease the strength of the relationship between alexithymia and social anxiety, perceived maternal rejection increases it. When the literature was examined, no study was found in which all these variables were examined together on adolescent groups, and the mediating role of childhood experiences and parental acceptance-rejection were investigated. Therefore, it is anticipated that this study will contribute to the literature. Key Words: Puberty, Alexithymia, Social Anxiety, Childhood Experiences, Parental Acceptance And Rejection