Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was examining the role of personality traits in predicting defense mechanisms with mediating Role of Attribution Styles in University Students. The study sample consisted of 300 students of Islamic Azad University of Zanjan who were selected through a random stratified method. The research instruments were, NEO-Personality Inventory-Revised (NEOFFI- R), Defense Mechanisms Questionnaire (DSQ-40), and Attributional Style Questionnaires (ASQ-48). Data analysis was carried out through Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Structural Equation Modeling (LISREL). The results showed that significant positive relationship among personality dimensions, i.e. extraversion, openness to experience, and conscientiousness with mature defense mechanisms, among personality dimensions, i.e. extraversion, conscientiousness and agreeableness with neurotic defense mechanisms, and among positive attribution style with mature and neurotic defense mechanisms. There was a negative significant relationship among neuroticism with mature defense mechanism and positive attribution style. Modeling and structural equation analysis proved the significant mediation of attribution styles in relationship between personality traits and defense mechanisms. According to the results of the present study, personality traits indirectly determined the type of defense mechanisms employed by the individuals through their attribution styles.