The Effect of Attentional Control on Interpersonal Problems Among Young Adults: The Mediating Role of Mentalization
AUTHOR : 이경숙, 최웅용, 황유경
INFORMATION : page. 137~150 / 2026 Vol.33 No.3
ABSTRACT
This study examined the effect of attentional control on interpersonal problems and the mediating effect of mentalization among young adults. A nationwide online survey was conducted with 300 young adults aged 19 to 35 years, measuring attentional control (ACQ), mentalization (K-MentS), and interpersonal problems (KIIP-SC). Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and the PROCESS macro 4.0. The results showed that attentional control had a significant negative effect on interpersonal problems, and that mentalization partially mediated the relationship between attentional control and interpersonal problems. That is, attentional control was not only directly associated with interpersonal problems but also indirectly associated with them through mentalization. These findings suggest that an integrative intervention considering both attentional control and mentalization is needed when counseling young adults who present with interpersonal problems.