Examining the Relationship Between Adolescents’ Behavioral Problems and Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions with the Mediating Role of Emotional Reactivity

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Bakhtar University of Ilam

10.22108/cbs.2026.146903.2087

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between adolescents’ behavioral problems and interpersonal cognitive distortions, with the mediating role of emotional reactivity, among adolescents in Ilam City. This research employed a descriptive–correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of all adolescents aged 12 to 18 years in Ilam City (N = 32,678). A sample of 384 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Adolescents’ Behavioral Problems Scale, the Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions Scale, and the Emotional Reactivity Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 29 and AMOS version 30. The results indicated that the proposed structural model demonstrated a good fit to the data. Moreover, interpersonal cognitive distortions had significant direct effects on both behavioral problems and emotional reactivity (p< .01), and emotional reactivity showed a significant direct effect on behavioral problems. In addition, the mediating role of emotional reactivity in the relationship between interpersonal cognitive distortions and behavioral problems was confirmed (p< .01). These findings suggest that adolescents who experience higher levels of interpersonal cognitive distortions are more likely to exhibit behavioral problems, particularly when accompanied by heightened emotional reactivity. Therefore, emotional reactivity functions not only as an independent predictor but also as a mediating mechanism linking interpersonal cognitive distortions to adolescents’ behavioral problems.

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Main Subjects

Research in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 January 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 05 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 10 January 2026

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