Examination of the relationship between object relations and emotion regulation difficulty in young adults

Object relations is a concept that explains how individuals structure their interpersonal relationships based on their early relational and attachment experiences. Reality testing, on the other hand, refers to the individual's capacity to perceive and make sense of themselves and their environment in an objective manner. Emotional regulation difficulties encompass the challenges an individual faces in managing their emotional responses. In this context, the present study investigates the relationship between object relations and emotional regulation difficulties in young adults aged between 18 and 40. The study sample consists of a total of 283 participants, including 201 women (71%) and 82 men (29%). The age range of the sample is between 18 and 40, with a mean age of 26.86. Participants were administered the Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (BORTTI), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale – Short Form (DERS-16), and a sociodemographic questionnaire via an online platform. The collected data were analyzed using statistical analysis techniques, and the relationships between variables were examined. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22. As the data met the assumptions of normality, parametric methods were employed. Independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlation analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), descriptive statistics, and both simple and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. Positive and significant relationships were found between the subdimensions of object relations and reality testing and those of emotional regulation difficulties. Among these, the insecure attachment subdimension of object relations and the reality distortion subdimension of reality testing were identified as the strongest predictors of emotional regulation difficulties. When examining the relationship between gender and emotional regulation difficulties, it was found that women experienced more difficulties compared to men. Similarly, married individuals were found to have fewer emotional regulation difficulties than single individuals, both with and without a romantic relationship. Employed participants reported fewer difficulties compared to unemployed individuals; likewise, those with postgraduate education levels reported fewer difficulties compared to those with undergraduate or lower education levels. Furthermore, individuals receiving psychological support experienced fewer emotional regulation difficulties compared to those not receiving support. No significant relationship was found between emotional regulation difficulties and participants' age, socio-economic status, or place of residence. Based on the findings obtained from this study, suggestions that may be beneficial for future research have been presented. Keywords: Object Relations, Reality Testing, Emotional Regulation Difficulties, Insecure Attachment, Egocentrism