Volume 23, Issue 6 (2-2025)
TB 2025, 23(6): 16-32 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Dinarvand M R, Bakhshipour A, Heshmati R. Investigating the Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Psychological Distress in Students and the Mediating Role of Emotional Incompetence among Students of Tabriz University. TB 2025; 23 (6) :16-32
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3727-en.html
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3727-en.html
University of Tabriz , drboacademy@gmail.com
Full-Text [PDF 866 kb]
(212 Downloads)
| Abstract (HTML) (305 Views)
Investigating the Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Psychological Distress in Students and the Mediating Role of Emotional Incompetence among Students of Tabriz University
Mohammad Reza Dinarvand(M.A)1, Abbas Bakhshipour(Ph.D.)2, Rasoul Heshmati(Ph.D.)3
1.Graduated of the Master of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
2.Corresponding Author: Professor Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Email: drboacademy@gmail.com Tel: 09166761976
3.Professor Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Perceived social support and alexithymia are among the most important factors associated with psychological distress in students. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between perceived social support and psychological distress in students and the mediating role of alexithymia in Tabriz University students.
Methods: The research method was fundamental and descriptive-correlational path analysis. The statistical population included students of both genders, all majors, and all levels of education at Tabriz University in 2023, from which 203 individuals were randomly selected. Data collection tools included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (1994), the Lovibond and Lovibond Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Scale (1995), and the Zimet Perceived Social Support Questionnaire(1998). For data analysis in the descriptive section, central tendency and dispersion indices were examined using SPSS version 26 software, and path analysis with Amos software was employed to test the hypotheses.
Results: The direct effect of perceived social support on emotional alexithymia was negative (P<0/001), and the direct effect of emotional alexithymia on psychological distress was positive and significant (P<0/001). However, the direct effect of perceived social support on psychological distress was not significant (P>0/190). Additionally, the indirect effect of perceived social support on psychological distress through emotional alexithymia was negative and significant(P<0/001).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that emotional alexithymia acts as an important mediator with a negative effect between perceived social support and psychological distress in students. It is suggested that strengthening support networks and providing training in communication skills should be carried out to reduce emotional alexithymia in students. Furthermore, holding training courses in university environments can help improve mental health and reduce psychological distress.
Keywords: Social support, Psychological distress, Alexithymia, Students
Conflict of interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest.
References
1-Gasser P, Grajeda A, Cordova JP & et al. Mental cost in higher education: a comparative study on academic stress as a predictor of mental health in university students during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Cogent Education. 2025;12(1):2445968.
2-Barkham M, Broglia E, Consortium S. Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) and feedback in university student counseling and mental health services: considerations for practitioners and service leads. Counseling and Psychotherapy Research. 2024;24(2):459-471.
3-Hou J, Qu D, Bu H & et al. The association between self-compassion and psychological distress among Chinese college students: serial mediation via emotions and resilience resources. Current Psychology. 2025;12(1):1-9.
4-Bruno F, Lau C, Tagliaferro C & et al. Effects of cancer severity on the relationship between emotional intelligence, perceived social support, and psychological distress in Italian women. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2024;32(2):142.
5-Depboylu GY, Fındık BE. Relationships among alexithymia, psychological distress, and disordered eating behaviors in adolescents. Appetite. 2024;200:107536.
6-Watson MF, Patti M. The relationship between nursing students' psychological distress and perceived stress and the nursing educational environment. Nursing Education Perspectives. 2025;46(1):19-24.
7-Yuan M, Tincher IM, Rojas DA & et al. Lower perceived social support during hospitalization by close family members may have significant associations with psychological distress one month after cardiac arrest. Neurocritical Care. 2024;11(5):1-10.
8-Cherblanc J, Zech E, Cadell E, et al. Are mediators of grief reactions better predictors than risk factors? A study testing the role of satisfaction with rituals, perceived social support, and coping strategies. Illness, Crisis & Loss. 2025;33(1):22-43.
9-Mehrasa MM, Aroti-Movafagh L. Predicting suicidal tendencies based on distress tolerance and perceived social support among university students in Hamedan. Cognitive Analytical Psychology. 2023;51(13):93-103.[Persian]
10-Wang Y, Wang L, Yang L & et al. Influence of perceived social support and academic self-efficacy on teacher-student relationships and learning engagement for enhanced didactical outcomes. Scientific Reports. 2024;14(1):28396.
11-Gómez-Ortiz O, Ortiz-Alba M, Falla D & et al. Are parental stress and rewards influenced by child temperament? Analysis of the moderating role of social support and gender in Spanish parents. Psychosocial Intervention. 2025;34(1):11.
12-Onu DU, Orjiakor TC, Prince AO & et al. Does social support buffer the impact of stress on health among people living with sickle cell disease? A cross-sectional study. Journal of Health Psychology. 2024;13:59-105.
13-Adnan Kamel A, Mehdad A, Abdulkadhim Johni A & et al. The moderating role of perceived social support in the relationship between workplace violence and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among nurses in Karbala. Journal of Nursing Research. 2024;16(1):31-42. [Persian]
14-Najafi E, Mirabi H, Hosseinzadeh-Maleki Z & et al. The role of self-compassion and alexithymia in predicting perceived social support. Recent Innovations in Psychology. 2023;1(1):1-13. [Persian]
15-Eliyaifar GT, Hajibagheri S, Farjami M & et al. The effect of attachment styles and alexithymia on psychological distress mediated by mentalization in nurses. Quarterly Journal of Nursing Management. 2023;12(3):64-77.[Persian]
16-Mohammadi M, Jafari R, et al., The mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between perceived social support and somatic complaints in depressed women.Women & Society (Sociology of Women). 2020;11(4):199-216. [Persian]
17-Eslami-Bidgoli F,Tamanai-Far MR & et al. Structural model of psychological distress based on insecure attachment style with the mediating role of alexithymia and moderating roles of mindfulness and self-compassion in heart patients.Health Psychology & Social Behavior . 2024 ; 4 (3 ) : 47 -68.[Persian]
18-Nargesi F,Fathi-Ashtiani A,Davoodi I & et al. The relationship between alexithymia , anxiety sensitivity ,and distress tolerance with obsessive-compulsive symptoms mediated by dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies among students.Journal of Disability Studies .2018 ;8 :9 -9.[Persian]
19-Narimani M,Jani S ,Rezaei R & et al. The role of alexithymia and mindfulness in predicting depression and anxiety among women with cancer.Journal of Cognitive Psychology & Psychiatry .2020 ;7 ( 1 ) :78 -89.[Persian]
20-Dashti M,Bayramzadeh S ,SoltanMohammadi N & et al. Structural Equation Modeling with Emphasis on Reflective and Formative Constructs (Using Lisrel ,PLS ,and Amos Software).Tehran:Mansour Momeni ;2013
21-Preece DA ,Petrova K ,Mehta A & et al. Alexithymia or general psychological distress ?Discriminant validity of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire.Journal of Affective Disorders .2024 ;352 :140 -145 .
22-Taylor GJ,Bagby RM,Parker JD.Disorders of affect regulation :alexithymia in medical and psychiatric illness.Cambridge University Press ;1999.
23-Besharat MA.Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support :Questionnaire ,instruction and scoring.Journal of Developmental Psychology Iranian Psychologists .2019 ;60 (15) :449 -447.
24-Lovibond SH,Lovibond PF.Depression Anxiety Stress Scales(DASS-21,DASS-42) [Database record].APA PsycTests ;1995
25-Samani SI,Joukar B.A study on the reliability and validity of the short form of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale(DASS-21).Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities of Shiraz University .2007 ;26 (3) :65 -77
26-Zimet GD,Powell SS ,Farley GK & et al. Psychometric characteristics of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support.Journal of Personality Assessment .1990 ;55 (3 -4) :610 -617
27-Besharat MA.Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support :Questionnaire ,instruction and scoring.Journal of Developmental Psychology Iranian Psychologists .2019 ;60 (16) :447 -449
28-Celik S ,Taskin Yilmaz F,Yurtsever Celik S & et al. Alexithymia in diabetes patients :its relationship with perceived social support and glycemic control.Journal of Clinical Nursing .2022 ;31 (17 -18) :2612 -2620
29-Tamanai-Far MR,Soleimanian Z & &et al. The mediating role of resilience and self-efficacy in the relationship between perceived social support and psychological distress among breast cancer patients.Feiz Medical Journal .1403 ;28 (1) :76 -85.[Persian]
30-Mohammadbeigi M,Taheri A,Abolmaali K & et al.Provisioning a structural model for depression ,anxiety ,and stress based on childhood trauma and perceived social support mediated by alexithymia among epilepsy patients.Islamic Lifestyle with Health Focus .1402 ;7 (1) :275 -287.[Persian]
31-Sakharzian D ,Azadi Mehran.The relationship between perceived stress ,social support ,self-esteem with disordered eating through alexithymia.Journal of Cognitive Psychology & Psychiatry .1401 ;9 (6) :91 -104.[Persian]
32-Pei J,Wang X ,Chen H & et al.Alexithymia,social support,depression,and burnout among emergency nurses in China :a structural equation model analysis.BMC Nursing .2021 ;20 :1 -10.[Persian]
Full-Text: (537 Views)
Investigating the Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Psychological Distress in Students and the Mediating Role of Emotional Incompetence among Students of Tabriz University
Mohammad Reza Dinarvand(M.A)1, Abbas Bakhshipour(Ph.D.)2, Rasoul Heshmati(Ph.D.)3
1.Graduated of the Master of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
2.Corresponding Author: Professor Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Email: drboacademy@gmail.com Tel: 09166761976
3.Professor Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Perceived social support and alexithymia are among the most important factors associated with psychological distress in students. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between perceived social support and psychological distress in students and the mediating role of alexithymia in Tabriz University students.
Methods: The research method was fundamental and descriptive-correlational path analysis. The statistical population included students of both genders, all majors, and all levels of education at Tabriz University in 2023, from which 203 individuals were randomly selected. Data collection tools included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (1994), the Lovibond and Lovibond Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Scale (1995), and the Zimet Perceived Social Support Questionnaire(1998). For data analysis in the descriptive section, central tendency and dispersion indices were examined using SPSS version 26 software, and path analysis with Amos software was employed to test the hypotheses.
Results: The direct effect of perceived social support on emotional alexithymia was negative (P<0/001), and the direct effect of emotional alexithymia on psychological distress was positive and significant (P<0/001). However, the direct effect of perceived social support on psychological distress was not significant (P>0/190). Additionally, the indirect effect of perceived social support on psychological distress through emotional alexithymia was negative and significant(P<0/001).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that emotional alexithymia acts as an important mediator with a negative effect between perceived social support and psychological distress in students. It is suggested that strengthening support networks and providing training in communication skills should be carried out to reduce emotional alexithymia in students. Furthermore, holding training courses in university environments can help improve mental health and reduce psychological distress.
Keywords: Social support, Psychological distress, Alexithymia, Students
Conflict of interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest.
References
1-Gasser P, Grajeda A, Cordova JP & et al. Mental cost in higher education: a comparative study on academic stress as a predictor of mental health in university students during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Cogent Education. 2025;12(1):2445968.
2-Barkham M, Broglia E, Consortium S. Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) and feedback in university student counseling and mental health services: considerations for practitioners and service leads. Counseling and Psychotherapy Research. 2024;24(2):459-471.
3-Hou J, Qu D, Bu H & et al. The association between self-compassion and psychological distress among Chinese college students: serial mediation via emotions and resilience resources. Current Psychology. 2025;12(1):1-9.
4-Bruno F, Lau C, Tagliaferro C & et al. Effects of cancer severity on the relationship between emotional intelligence, perceived social support, and psychological distress in Italian women. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2024;32(2):142.
5-Depboylu GY, Fındık BE. Relationships among alexithymia, psychological distress, and disordered eating behaviors in adolescents. Appetite. 2024;200:107536.
6-Watson MF, Patti M. The relationship between nursing students' psychological distress and perceived stress and the nursing educational environment. Nursing Education Perspectives. 2025;46(1):19-24.
7-Yuan M, Tincher IM, Rojas DA & et al. Lower perceived social support during hospitalization by close family members may have significant associations with psychological distress one month after cardiac arrest. Neurocritical Care. 2024;11(5):1-10.
8-Cherblanc J, Zech E, Cadell E, et al. Are mediators of grief reactions better predictors than risk factors? A study testing the role of satisfaction with rituals, perceived social support, and coping strategies. Illness, Crisis & Loss. 2025;33(1):22-43.
9-Mehrasa MM, Aroti-Movafagh L. Predicting suicidal tendencies based on distress tolerance and perceived social support among university students in Hamedan. Cognitive Analytical Psychology. 2023;51(13):93-103.[Persian]
10-Wang Y, Wang L, Yang L & et al. Influence of perceived social support and academic self-efficacy on teacher-student relationships and learning engagement for enhanced didactical outcomes. Scientific Reports. 2024;14(1):28396.
11-Gómez-Ortiz O, Ortiz-Alba M, Falla D & et al. Are parental stress and rewards influenced by child temperament? Analysis of the moderating role of social support and gender in Spanish parents. Psychosocial Intervention. 2025;34(1):11.
12-Onu DU, Orjiakor TC, Prince AO & et al. Does social support buffer the impact of stress on health among people living with sickle cell disease? A cross-sectional study. Journal of Health Psychology. 2024;13:59-105.
13-Adnan Kamel A, Mehdad A, Abdulkadhim Johni A & et al. The moderating role of perceived social support in the relationship between workplace violence and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among nurses in Karbala. Journal of Nursing Research. 2024;16(1):31-42. [Persian]
14-Najafi E, Mirabi H, Hosseinzadeh-Maleki Z & et al. The role of self-compassion and alexithymia in predicting perceived social support. Recent Innovations in Psychology. 2023;1(1):1-13. [Persian]
15-Eliyaifar GT, Hajibagheri S, Farjami M & et al. The effect of attachment styles and alexithymia on psychological distress mediated by mentalization in nurses. Quarterly Journal of Nursing Management. 2023;12(3):64-77.[Persian]
16-Mohammadi M, Jafari R, et al., The mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between perceived social support and somatic complaints in depressed women.Women & Society (Sociology of Women). 2020;11(4):199-216. [Persian]
17-Eslami-Bidgoli F,Tamanai-Far MR & et al. Structural model of psychological distress based on insecure attachment style with the mediating role of alexithymia and moderating roles of mindfulness and self-compassion in heart patients.Health Psychology & Social Behavior . 2024 ; 4 (3 ) : 47 -68.[Persian]
18-Nargesi F,Fathi-Ashtiani A,Davoodi I & et al. The relationship between alexithymia , anxiety sensitivity ,and distress tolerance with obsessive-compulsive symptoms mediated by dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies among students.Journal of Disability Studies .2018 ;8 :9 -9.[Persian]
19-Narimani M,Jani S ,Rezaei R & et al. The role of alexithymia and mindfulness in predicting depression and anxiety among women with cancer.Journal of Cognitive Psychology & Psychiatry .2020 ;7 ( 1 ) :78 -89.[Persian]
20-Dashti M,Bayramzadeh S ,SoltanMohammadi N & et al. Structural Equation Modeling with Emphasis on Reflective and Formative Constructs (Using Lisrel ,PLS ,and Amos Software).Tehran:Mansour Momeni ;2013
21-Preece DA ,Petrova K ,Mehta A & et al. Alexithymia or general psychological distress ?Discriminant validity of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire.Journal of Affective Disorders .2024 ;352 :140 -145 .
22-Taylor GJ,Bagby RM,Parker JD.Disorders of affect regulation :alexithymia in medical and psychiatric illness.Cambridge University Press ;1999.
23-Besharat MA.Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support :Questionnaire ,instruction and scoring.Journal of Developmental Psychology Iranian Psychologists .2019 ;60 (15) :449 -447.
24-Lovibond SH,Lovibond PF.Depression Anxiety Stress Scales(DASS-21,DASS-42) [Database record].APA PsycTests ;1995
25-Samani SI,Joukar B.A study on the reliability and validity of the short form of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale(DASS-21).Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities of Shiraz University .2007 ;26 (3) :65 -77
26-Zimet GD,Powell SS ,Farley GK & et al. Psychometric characteristics of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support.Journal of Personality Assessment .1990 ;55 (3 -4) :610 -617
27-Besharat MA.Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support :Questionnaire ,instruction and scoring.Journal of Developmental Psychology Iranian Psychologists .2019 ;60 (16) :447 -449
28-Celik S ,Taskin Yilmaz F,Yurtsever Celik S & et al. Alexithymia in diabetes patients :its relationship with perceived social support and glycemic control.Journal of Clinical Nursing .2022 ;31 (17 -18) :2612 -2620
29-Tamanai-Far MR,Soleimanian Z & &et al. The mediating role of resilience and self-efficacy in the relationship between perceived social support and psychological distress among breast cancer patients.Feiz Medical Journal .1403 ;28 (1) :76 -85.[Persian]
30-Mohammadbeigi M,Taheri A,Abolmaali K & et al.Provisioning a structural model for depression ,anxiety ,and stress based on childhood trauma and perceived social support mediated by alexithymia among epilepsy patients.Islamic Lifestyle with Health Focus .1402 ;7 (1) :275 -287.[Persian]
31-Sakharzian D ,Azadi Mehran.The relationship between perceived stress ,social support ,self-esteem with disordered eating through alexithymia.Journal of Cognitive Psychology & Psychiatry .1401 ;9 (6) :91 -104.[Persian]
32-Pei J,Wang X ,Chen H & et al.Alexithymia,social support,depression,and burnout among emergency nurses in China :a structural equation model analysis.BMC Nursing .2021 ;20 :1 -10.[Persian]
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Psychology
Received: 2024/09/14 | Accepted: 2024/12/11 | Published: 2025/02/28
Received: 2024/09/14 | Accepted: 2024/12/11 | Published: 2025/02/28
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
