Examining the relationship between defense mechanisms, mindful awareness and psychological symptoms of university students

This research was carried out to investigate the relationship between defence mechanisims, mindful awareness and psychological symptoms of university students. Also, defense mechanisms, mindful awareness and psychological symptoms were investigated according to the demographic variables of the research sample. The sample group of the research consists of 468 participants selected by available sampling method. Relational survey model was used as the research model. In the research., Sociodemographic Information Form, Mindful Awareness Scale, Defense Style Questionnaire and SCL 90-R were used as data collection tools. Independent Sample t-Test, ANOVA and Correlation Analysis were used to analyse data. It was determined that there was a statistically significant relationship between Conscious Awareness Scale scores and Defense Style Questionnarie Neurotic Defenses and Immature Defenses scores. Defense Style Questionnarie Neurotic defenses and Immature defenses scores were found to be in a statistically significant relationship with all sub-dimensions of SCL 90-R. It was found that there is a significant relationship between the mature defenses and Interpersonal Sensitivity, Depression, Anxiety, Phobic Anxiety, Psychotism and GSI. It was seen that there was a statistically significant relationship between Anger and Hostility, Phobic Anxiety, Paranoid Thought, Psychotism, Additional Scale sub-dimensions and GSI scores.As a result of the research, a significant relationships has been found between defense mechanisms, mindful awareness, and psychological symptoms.