The Relationship between Parenting Styles and the Social Anxiety signs: The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Sensitivity and the Moderating Role of Suppression

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between parenting styles and social anxiety signs in Tehran College students, with the mediating role of interpersonal sensitivity and the moderating role of suppression. As for the fundamental goal and data collection, the present study was a correlational and cross-sectional study. The participants of this study were the students of university of Tehran who were studying in the academic year 2021. The participants were 226 college students (137 females and 89 males) selected through an available sample. Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, questionnaires were distributed on online platforms. In this study, we used the questionnaires of Liebowitz social anxiety scale (LSAS), Buri parenting styles scale (PAQ), Boyce and Parker interpersonal sensitivity scale (IPSM), and Gross emotional regulation scale (ERQ). Pearson’s correlation coefficient and mediator-moderator effect analytical statistical model were used and all statistical procedures were performed using SPSS 21 and R.4.1.1. The results showed that there is a significant relationship between parenting styles and signs of social anxiety (P >0/01, r=0/21). This study also showed that parenting style influences social anxiety through interpersonal sensitivity (P>0/05). Therefore, interpersonal sensitivity plays a mediating role, but the suppression role as a moderator in the relationship of parenting styles and social anxiety symptoms was not confirmed (β =0/022, P < 0/05). In view of the results of this study, the implementation of appropriate parenting workshops to teach parenting styles to parents is highly recommended to prevent anxiety problems such as social anxiety