Structural Relationships between Alexithymia and Academic Engagement Mediated by Dependence on Social Networks and Mental Health

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and academic engagement mediated by dependence on social networks and mental health. The statistical population of this correlational descriptive study comprise 483 students at vocational schools in Miandorood, 217 of whom were recruited using a stratified random sampling method. Cochran’s formula was used to estimate the sample size. Research data were collected through standard questionnaires, and analyzed using structural equation modeling in LISREL and SPSS statistical software. Alexithymia, mental health, and dependence on social networks had negative and significant effects on academic engagement. The mediating role of mental health and dependence on social networks was negative and significant for the relationship between alexithymia and academic engagement. In conclusion, it is necessary to address alexithymia, dependence on social networks, and mental health to increase students’ academic engagement.