Maladaptive Beliefs as a Mediator Between Rejection Sensitivity and Social Anxiety

Ahmet Kutsal; Mehmet Özdemir

doi:10.61838/kman.jarac.7.1.27

Authors

Ahmet Kutsal Necmettin Erbakan University, Seydisehir Vocational School, Konya, Türkiye

Mehmet Özdemir * Department of Psychology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye mehmet.ozdemir@istanbul.edu.tr

https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jarac.7.1.27

Keywords:

social anxiety, rejection sensitivity, maladaptive beliefs, cognitive distortion

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of maladaptive beliefs in the relationship between rejection sensitivity and social anxiety among young adults.

Methods and Materials: The study employed a descriptive correlational design and included 408 participants aged 18 to 30 from Turkey, selected using Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size table. Participants completed three standardized self-report instruments: the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ), and the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS). Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation, and AMOS-21 for structural equation modeling (SEM). Model fit was evaluated through standard indices, including Chi-square, RMSEA, CFI, TLI, GFI, and AGFI. Assumptions for SEM were tested and confirmed prior to analysis.

Findings: Pearson correlation revealed significant positive associations between social anxiety and maladaptive beliefs (r = .58, p < .001), rejection sensitivity and social anxiety (r = .51, p < .001), and rejection sensitivity and maladaptive beliefs (r = .47, p < .001). The structural model demonstrated good fit (χ²/df = 2.21, RMSEA = 0.053, CFI = 0.96). SEM results indicated that rejection sensitivity significantly predicted maladaptive beliefs (β = .47, p < .001) and social anxiety (β = .31, p < .001), while maladaptive beliefs also significantly predicted social anxiety (β = .42, p < .001). The indirect path from rejection sensitivity to social anxiety via maladaptive beliefs was also significant (β = .20, p < .001).

Conclusion: Findings suggest that maladaptive beliefs partially mediate the relationship between rejection sensitivity and social anxiety, highlighting the importance of cognitive distortions as psychological mechanisms underlying social anxiety and pointing to potential targets for intervention.

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