The examination of the relationship between neurotic tendencies, defense mechanisms, and perceived stress in university students

The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between individuals' neurotic tendencies, defense mechanisms they use, and the perceived stress they experience. The research aims to understand the relationships between neurotic tendencies, defense mechanisms, and perceived stress, and to determine the predictive roles of neurotic tendencies and defense mechanisms on perceived stress. In this context, neurotic tendencies and defense mechanisms are considered as predictor variables, while perceived stress is treated as the criterion variable. A total of 290 university students studying in Turkey participated in the study, with 215 of them being female and 75 male. The "Horney-Coolidge Three-Dimensional Inventory (HCTI)" was used to assess neurotic tendencies, the "Defense Styles Test (DSQ-40)" was used to assess defense mechanisms, and the "Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)" was used to assess perceived stress during the data collection process. Statistical methods such as "Independent Samples T Test," "Pearson Correlation Analysis," and "Multiple Linear Regression Analysis" were employed in the analysis of the data. As a result of the study, negative relationships were found between mature defense mechanisms and perceived stress, positive relationships were found between immature defense mechanisms and perceived stress, and positive relationships were found between aggression and compliance tendencies and perceived stress. Positive relationships were also found between aggression and detachment tendencies and both mature and immature defense mechanisms. Additionally, positive relationships were identified between compliance tendencies and neurotic defense mechanisms. The study concluded that mature and immature defense mechanisms, aggression, and compliance tendencies have predictive effects on perceived stress. Specifically, aggression tendencies predict mature and immature defense mechanisms, compliance tendencies predict immature and neurotic defense mechanisms, and detachment tendencies predict immature defense mechanisms.