The Mediating Role of Alexithymic Traits in the Relationship Between Social Appearance Anxiety and Life Satisfaction in Adolescents

Abstract

This cross-sectional study sought to examine the mediating role of alexithymic traits in the relationship between social appearance anxiety and life satisfaction in adolescents. The study sample included 295 adolescents 12 to 14 years of age. The data were collected using a Personal Information Form developed by the researchers, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS), and Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children (AQC). The results revealed there is a significant negative relationship between life satisfaction and social appearance anxiety in adolescents, and there is a significant negative relationship between alexithymia and social appearance anxiety in adolescents. There is a significant positive relationship between life satisfaction and alexithymia in adolescents ( P < 0.05). There is no mediating role of alexithymic traits in the relationship between social appearance anxiety and life satisfaction in adolescents. [ Psychiatr Ann. 2024;54(5):e155–e161.]