Alexithymia, Aggression and Coping Self-Efficacy in University Students

Abstract

Coping self-efficacy (CSE) is a necessary component of university student’s overall well-being because they frequently deal with a variety of stressors linked to social pressure, academic pressure, and personal development. The objective of this study was to find the correlation between alexithymia, aggression and CSE in university students. The research was conducted to address the gap regarding the psychological factors influencing CSE in students. Data was collected from 320 university students in Islamabad, by using convenience sampling. To assess the study variables, three instruments were used; The Toronto-Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Bryant and Smith Aggression Questionnaire Short Form (BASQ-SF) and the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES). The research findings demonstrated significant positive correlation between alexithymia and aggression. Likewise, CSE was found to be significant and positively correlated with subscales i.e. Problem focused (PF), Emotion focused (EF) and Social-support (SS) coping. Conversely, alexithymia and aggression found to be negatively correlated with CSE and its subscales. Regression analysis indicated that both alexithymia and aggression negatively predicted CSE and its subscales. Additionally, gender differences were observed, with females exhibiting higher levels of alexithymia, while males showed higher levels of CSE, PF, and EF. Aggression and SS were higher in females, but the difference was not significant. In order to ensure student’s mental health, it is important to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and coping mechanisms. This research provides insight into how emerging adults handle their emotional circumstances. This knowledge can be used to improve student’s coping abilities. Further researches can be applied nature and intervention based. Additionally, these researches can plan interventions based on the findings of this study.