The Mediating Roles of Defense Mechanisms in the Relationship between Attachment Styles with Fear of Success

Abstract

The aim of present research was mediating roles of defense mechanisms in relationships of attachment styles with fear of success among female students. The research method was descriptive and correlational by path analysis. The research population consisted of all female students at the Khatam University during academic year of 2017-2018. A convenient sampling of 310 students were chosen. In order to collect data, Zuckerman and Allison Fear of Success Scale, Andrews Defense Style Scale and Hazan and Shavers Adult Attachment Style were used. Data were analyzed using Pearson correction coefficient and path analysis. Results showed that neurosis defense mechanisms had mediator roles in relationships between attachment and fear of success. Also attachments affected fear of success directly. Based on these findings the importance of the role of defense mechanisms, in relationships between fear of success, with attachment were emphasized. It is suggested that in therapeutic and counseling sessions, the defense mechanism of individuals should be assessed so that the necessary steps to be taken in order individual could achieve the most success in their works and social relations.

Keywords

• attachment styles
• defense mechanisms
• fear of success