Mediating role of defense mechanisms and dimensions of the interpersonal relationship in the relationship between selfobject needs and personality disorders

Especially in the early stages of life, met or unmet the selfobject needs has an important role in the development of personality. The literature has revealed evidence that approaching and de-fensively avoiding selfobject needs may be associated with personality disorders. The present study aimed to examine the mediating effects of defense mechanisms and dimensions of the interpersonal relationship in the relationship between selfobject needs and personality disorders. The research sample consisted of a total of 402 people [253 females (62.9%) and 149 males (37.1%), aged between 18 and 59 (M = 32.28, SD = 7.76)], and a cross-sectional screening meth-od was used in the study. The data was collected using the Socio-Demographic Information Form, Coolidge Axis II Inventory Short Form, Selfobject Needs Inventory, Defense Style Ques-tionnaire, and Scale of Dimensions of Interpersonal Relationship. As a result of the analyzes, personality disorders and approaching mirroring- idealization- twinship, and avoiding idealization- twinship, selfobject needs, immature defense mechanisms, and approval dependence vari-ables were positively correlated with each other; it was determined that the variables of trust in others and emotional awareness showed significant negative correlations. It was found that in the relationship between selfobject needs and personality disorders, the variables of immature and neurotic defenses, approval dependence, trusting others and emotional awareness had significant partial mediation effects in certain types of personality disorders. Then research findings were discussed based on the literature, and limitations of the study and possible contributions to theory and clinical practice, and suggestions for new studies to be made were presented.