The Mediating Role of Self-Forgiveness in the Relationship Between Social Exclusion and Psychological Symptoms in University Students

Authors : Furkan Kaşıkcı, Burak Can Korkmaz

Pages : 35-47

Doi:10.52597/buje.1680133

View : 62 | Download : 98

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Social exclusion is a risk factor for the psychological well-being of university students. Because they pass through emerging adulthood characterized by pressure and uncertainty, interpersonal resources are more significant for them. However, social exclusion limits these resources. It also causes negative emotional states, such as guilt and sadness. At this point, self-forgiveness may play a significant role as an emotion-focused coping strategy. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self-forgiveness on the relationship between social exclusion and psychological symptoms in university students. Data were analyzed through regression-based mediation analysis using the PROCESS macro (Model 4) with 5,000 bootstrap resamples. This study included 725 university students aged 18-24 years, with a mean age of 21.01 years. Of these university students, 481 (66.3%) were female, and 244 (33.7%) were male. The participants completed the Social Exclusion Scale, Self-Forgiveness Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. The findings revealed that social exclusion was significantly associated with psychological symptoms. Furthermore, self-forgiveness mediated the relationship between social exclusion and psychological symptoms. Therefore, psychological symptoms can be prevented by focusing on the self-forgiveness of university students experiencing social exclusion.
Keywords : Sosyal dışlanma, kendini affetme, psikolojik semptomlar, aracı rol

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