Article Content
Abstract
This study examined the impact of the other-directedness schema on dysfunctional anger expression (anger-in and anger-out) and explored the mediating roles of rejection sensitivity (RS) and mentalizing (self-focused vs. other-focused). A total of 437 South Korean adults (ages 18–39) completed self-report measures. Data were analyzed using SPSS 29 and Mplus 8.9. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized relationships. SEM analysis revealed that other-directedness schema was significantly associated with anger-in and indirectly influenced both anger-in and anger-out through RS. The relationship between other-directedness schema and anger-in was significantly mediated by self-focused mentalizing (Ment-S). Additionally, a sequential mediation effect through RS and Ment-S was observed, and an inconsistent mediation pattern emerged in the other-directedness schema–anger-in relationship. For individuals with an other-directedness schema experiencing psychosocial difficulties due to dysfunctional anger expression, interventions focusing on rejection sensitivity and enhancing mentalized affectivity could be beneficial.
Practitioner Points
• Rejection sensitivity (RS) and self-focused mentalizing (Ment-S) mediate the relationship between other-directedness schema and dysfunctional anger expression, providing insight into the emotional dynamics underlying anger suppression.
• Culturally rooted tendencies toward anger suppression in Korean adults suggest the need for culturally responsive therapeutic interventions that consider social norms and relationship dynamics.
• Enhancing mentalized affectivity, particularly Ment-S, can help individuals with high other-directedness schema better recognize, interpret, and regulate their emotions, reducing dysfunctional anger expression.
• Counseling interventions targeting RS may prevent maladaptive anger expression by helping individuals reframe negative social cues and reduce hypervigilance to perceived rejection.
• The identification of an inconsistent mediation pattern underscores the importance of individualized interventions that balance self-awareness with social attunement for healthier emotional regulation.
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Data Availability
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Moon, EJ., Nam, J. Exploring the Relationship Between Other-Directedness Schema and Dysfunctional Anger Expression in Korean Adults: Mediating Roles of Rejection Sensitivity and Mentalizing. J Rat-Emo Cognitive-Behav Ther 43, 35 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-025-00606-0
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Keywords
- Other-directedness schema
- Rejection sensitivity
- Self-focused mentalizing
- Other-focused mentalizing
- Dysfunctional anger expression