Psychological distress: Comparison the role of social status dimensions with defense mechanisms

There were proposed many theories about the causes of Psychological distress. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictions of the social status identity hypothesis and psychodynamic theory (ego psychology model) about Psychological distress. The role of economic resources, perceived social power, perceived social prestige, and defense mechanisms were examined as predictors of Psychological distress. Population was citizens of Tehran, Iran. The sample selected by the convenient method was 152 people from two of the middle-class district of Tehran. Data gathered by differential social status identity, Kessler psychological distress scale, and defense style questionnaire. All of the social statues dimensions negatively associated with psychological distress. Linear regression analysis (Enter method) showed that variables explained 42% of the variance of psychological distress. Defense mechanism (immature, mature and neurotic) and perceived social power were significantly predicted psychological distress. It could be argued people with maladaptive defense mechanisms and who perceived less social power is more prone to psychological distress.