Effect of Parental Acceptance/Rejection on Social Anxiety and Difficulty in Emotion Regulation: Considering Resilience as Moderator

Abstract

This study examines the influence of parental acceptance-rejection on social anxiety and emotion regulation among young adults in Pakistan, with resilience as a moderating factor. We surveyed 200 young adults aged 18 to 25, using the Parental Acceptance/Rejection Questionnaire-Short Form (PARQ-SF), Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and a demographic survey. This study analyzed the data using Pearson's Product Moment Correlation and Multivariate Linear Regression—parental acceptance correlated with lower social anxiety, better emotion regulation, and higher resilience. Conversely, parental rejection is associated with increased social pressure, poorer emotion regulation, and lower strength. Parental acceptance-rejection significantly impacts social anxiety and emotion regulation in young adults, with resilience moderating these effects. Enhancing resilience can mitigate the negative impact of parental rejection, promoting emotional well-being. Recognizing these factors is crucial for targeted interventions and support programs.