The Mediating Role of Alexithymia in the Relationship between Defense Mechanisms and Tendency to High Risk Behaviors Among Adolescents

Background: Despite the fact that high-risk behaviors lead to adverse physical, psychological, and sociological consequences, less attention has been paid to identifying related correlated factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between defense mechanisms and high-risk behaviors among adolescents in Zahedan. Method: In academic year 2015-2016, this descriptive-correlative analysis had a statistical population consisting of all Zahedanchr('39')s junior and senior high school students. A sample of 250 students were chosen by multi-stage cluster sampling and were asked to complete the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), and the Risk-Taking Scale (IARS) for Iranian Adolescents. Data analysis was conducted by measuring coefficients of correlation and performing a path analysis. . The participants were 125 males with a mean age of 14.51 years and 125 females. Result: Path analysis showed a significant correlation between defense mechanisms and alexithymia (P<0.01) and a significant correlation was found between immature defense mechanisms and high-risk behaviors (P<0.01). Conclusion: In the relationship between dysfunctional defense mechanisms and high-risk activities, alexithymia played a mediating role provided the findings of the current study. It can be inferred that dysfunctional defense mechanisms have played a key role in high-risk activities by influencing alexithymia.