Structural Analysis of Relationship between Hoarding and Interpersonal Problems: Mediating Role of Difficulties in Emotional Regulation

The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between hoarding and interpersonal problems with mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation. This research is descriptive and correlational. The statistical population of the study consisted of men and women aged 35-65 years old (100 women and 100 men) in district one of Rasht. Of these, 200 were selected by convenience sampling method. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling. The results indicated an indirect effect of hoarding on interpersonal problems through the difficulties in their emotional regulation that was positive and significant (p< 0/01). The results of this study indicated that hoarding behaviors leads to problems in interpersonal communication and also the defect in interpersonal communication leads to the intensification of hoarding symptoms. In the meantime, emotional regulation is an important factor in which excessive deficits exacerbate and maintain hoarding behaviors and interpersonal problems. Therefore, using emotion regulation strategies can play an important role in reducing and improving the symptoms of hoarding and interpersonal communication problems.