The Mediating Role of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation and Experiential Avoidance in the Relationship Between Peer Victimization and Social Anxiety in Adolescents

Authors
Behjat Poursina
Ahmad Mansouri
Islamic Azad University of Neyshabur
Abstract
Introduction: Social anxiety is one of the most common and debilitating disorders among adolescents, leading to various physical, psychological, and social consequences. Therefore, identifying the factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of this disorder is crucial. This study aims to examine the mediating roles of difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance in the relationship between peer victimization and social anxiety in adolescents.

Methods: This research was a fundamental and cross-sectional study. The statistical population consisted of all adolescent students in Mashhad. The research sample included 200 individuals selected through convenience and online sampling methods. Participants completed several assessments: The Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Social Phobia Inventory. Data were analyzed using path analysis, along with SPSS and LISREL software.

Results: The results indicated a significant relationship between peer victimization (r= 0.24), difficulty in emotion regulation (r= 0.42), and experiential avoidance (r= 0.40) with social anxiety. Additionally, peer victimization was found to be related to difficulty in emotion regulation (r= 0.35) and experiential avoidance (r= 0.31). A significant relationship was found between difficulty in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance (r= 0.68). Furthermore, difficulty in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance were found to mediate the relationship between peer victimization and social anxiety in adolescents.

Conclusion: Training methods aimed at preventing peer victimization, alongside teaching emotion regulation strategies and promoting acceptance of internal experiences rather than avoidance, could help reduce social anxiety in adolescents.
Keywords
adolescents
Emotion regulation
Experiential Avoidance
Peer Victimization
Social anxiety
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