The mediating role of mentalization in the relationship between perceived parental acceptance-rejection and anger expression style in emerging adulthood

Objective: The primary aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of mentalization in the relationship between perceived parental acceptance-rejection and anger expression styles during emerging adulthood. The study seeks to understand the interrelations among perceived parental acceptance-rejection, mentalization capacity, and anger expression styles, as well as to investigate whether these variables differ across certain socio-demographic characteristics. Method: The sample consisted of 401 participants aged between 18 and 29. Data were collected online. The data collection tools included the Socio-Demographic Information Form, Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire Adult Short Form, State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, and Mentalization Questionnaire (MQ). Data analysis was conducted using correlation analyses, hierarchical regression, and mediation analyses through PROCESS macro (Model 4). Results: The results indicated that perceived maternal and paternal rejection were significantly associated with anger expression styles and mentalization. A significant negative relationship was found between perceived maternal rejection, mentalization sub-dimensions, and externalized anger. The mediation analysis revealed that certain sub-dimensions of mentalization played a significant mediating role in the relationship between perceived parental rejection and anger expression styles. Moreover, mentalization levels and anger expression styles differed significantly across some socio-demographic variables. Conclusion: The study comprehensively examined the relationships between perceived parental acceptance-rejection, mentalization, and anger expression styles during emerging adulthood, revealing that mentalization may serve as a critical mediating mechanism in these associations. The findings were discussed in light of existing literature, and limitations of the study as well as suggestions for future research were presented.