Relationship between defense mechanisms styles and self-concept among University Students: Structural Equation Modeling

The purpose of this study was to investigate the structural equation model between defense styles and self-image in university students. Among the students who studied at the Kharazmi University 154 students were randomly selected and information from the defense style questionnaire and the Beck Self Concept Test were analyzed. The conceptual model of research was fitted with data. The size of the absolute (0.76), relative (0.89), external (0.87) and internal (0.91) indexes showed the fitness of the presented model. The path coefficients indicated that neurotic and immature mechanisms are related to different dimensions of self-concept. All of the studied paths, except for the path of mature defense mechanisms in three domains of self-concept (mental, physical and occupational), are significant. Also, the positive and significant correlation between the immature and neurotic defense mechanisms with self-concept determined. The results of this study emphasize the importance of the relationship between defenders with self-concept.