The intermediate role of irrational thoughts, belonging and irrational thoughts in the relationship between attachment styles and psychological wellbeing

The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of irrational thinking, belonging and work anxiety in the relationship between attachment styles and psychological well-being. The research was carried out based on the quantitative research approach. The study group of the research consists of 499 students studying in different faculties in a university located in the Central Black Sea region in 2022-2023. Of the sample determined by the appropriate sampling method, 396 (79.4%) were female and 203 (20.6%) were male. The data of the study were collected using the Psychological Well-Being Scale, the Three-Dimensional Attachment Styles Scale, the General Attitudes and Beliefs Scale Short Form, the General Belonging Scale and the Work Anxiety Scale. In addition, the Study Anxiety Scale was adapted into Turkish within the scope of the study. The study anxiety scale adapted to our language presented valid and reliable findings. In the research, Pearson Product Moments Correlation Coefficient technique was used in order to examine the relationships between the variables and the relationships between the variables were examined. Then, mediation analysis was performed with the Process Macro Model 6 application. According to the research findings, irrational thinking, belonging and academic emotional evaluation have a sequential mediating role in the relationship between attachment styles (secure, anxious-ambivalent, and avoidant) and psychological well-being. It is thought that the study, which presents a model for the psychological well-being of university students, can contribute to the organization of psychological intervention programs for students. In addition, since the study anxiety scale, which has been adapted to our culture, offers the opportunity to evaluate both academic and emotional difficulties together, it can be used before counseling sessions in university guidance and psychological counseling centers to support experts in identifying problems and making effective decisions. Keywords: Psychological Well-Being, Attachment Styles, Irrational Thinking, Belonging, Study Anxiety