Predicting Children's Social Adaptation based on Defense Mechanisms and Problem-Oriented Strategies in Parents with the Mediation of Anxiety Sensitivity

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between social adaptation based on defense mechanisms and problem-oriented strategies in parents with the mediation of anxiety sensitivity in elementary school female students in Zanjan city.

The research method was correlation. The statistical population was all primary school girls in two cities of Zanjan, 200 of whom were selected using the available method. To collect data, Dakhanchi's adjustment questionnaire (1998), Andrews et al.'s (1993) defense mechanism questionnaire, Lazarus and Folkman's (1985) coping with stressful situations questionnaire, and Floyd et al.'s (2005) anxiety sensitivity questionnaire were used. For data analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis were used using SPSS version 25 and AMOS23 software.

The results showed that parents' defense mechanisms have no significant effect on social adjustment, but problem-oriented strategies in anxiety-sensitive parents can predict children's social adjustment. Problem-oriented strategies in parents and parents' defense mechanism can also predict anxiety sensitivity (p<0.05). The results of indirect effects showed that anxiety sensitivity has a mediating role between problem-oriented strategies in parents and social adjustment (p<0.05). Also, anxiety sensitivity plays a mediating role between defense mechanisms and social adaptation. Parents' children have a mediating role (p<0.05).

Considering that the results showed that defense mechanisms and problem-oriented strategies in parents and anxiety sensitivity have a significant role in children's social adaptation, it is suggested that psychologists and school counselors and counseling centers in education take measures Plan therapy and education to increase social adaptation with emphasis on the mentioned variables.