A Model for Psychological Distress Based on Insecure Attachment Mediated by Alexithymia in Students at Islamic Azad Universities in Tehran

Background: Individuals with alexithymia have a limited ability to adapt to stressful situations, leading to high levels of psychological distress, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of insecure attachment in psychological distress within Islamic Azad Universities of Tehran in 2020 by mediating alexithymia. Methods: The structural equation modeling (SEM) was used as the primary research method in this study. The study population included all university students between 20- and 40-years old studying at the Islamic Azad Universities of Tehran in the 2019 - 20 academic year. A total of 305 students was selected as samples using the multi-stage cluster sampling method. Several research tools were used, including the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). The data were analyzed using a correlation matrix in SPSS statistical software Version 24 and structural equation modeling (SEM) in Amos-26. Results: The results indicated that the insecure attachment style had a direst positive effect on the states of psychological distress (anxiety, stress, and depression) (P < 0.001). Alexithymia also played a mediating role in insecure attachment affecting psychological distress (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Results revealed in the correlation between insecure attachment and states of psychological distress mediated by the alexithymia. Given the importance of attachment style and alexithymia in the development of anxiety, stress, and depression, therapists are recommended to take these variables into account.