Threat, everywhere: A model proposal regarding the mediator role of difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance in the relationship of looming maladaptive style and maternal bonding with generalized anxiety disorder symptoms

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between looming maladaptive style, maternal bonding, difficulties in emotion regulation, and experiential avoidance with GAD symptoms; simultaneously, to test a model that can explain the development of GAD symptoms based on the relationships of the variables with each other. Firstly, correlation and regression analyses were conducted in line with the objectives, and depressive symptoms were controlled in these analyses. Then, mediation analyses were conducted to see the mediating roles of difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance. Finally, the proposed model was tested with the Structural Equation Model. According to the results of the analysis, it was concluded that depressive symptoms and GAD symptoms may be comorbid. The variables are correlated significantly with each other. Difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance were found to significantly predict GAD symptoms. Looming maladaptive style and maternal bonding did not predict GAD symptoms.The mediation relationships of difficulties in emotion and experiential avoidance with the looming maladaptive style and sub-dimensions of the maternal bonding are significant. However, in the Structural Equation Model, it was found that looming maladaptive style and maternal did not directly affect GAD symptoms, but indirectly through emotion regulation difficulty and experiential avoidance. The tested model fits well and explained 50% of GAD symptoms. Consequently developmental, cognitive, emotional, and experiential processes seem to be important variables that affect GAD symptoms through each other. The findings were discussed in line with the literatüre; limitations, strengths and suggestions for future studies were reviewed.