The Mediating Role of Negative Core Beliefs in Parental Acceptance Rejection and Cognitive Distortion Among Young Adults

Abstract

Theoretically parental acceptance rejection explains directly link with negative core beliefs and cognitive distortion but yet this association need further empirical. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mediating effects of negative core beliefs in formation of various cognitive distortion among Pakistani normative sample of young adult between age range of 18 to 25 years. A cross-sectional correlation research design was used, and 325 participants were included by using convenient sampling technique. The following standardized measures were used to collect data (a) the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Scale, (b) Negative Core Belief Inventory, and (c) Cognitive Distortion Scale. The results showed a significant positive association between parental acceptance-rejection, negative core beliefs, and cognitive distortion, where negative core beliefs, particularly related to "mind reading and should stataments”, predicted by parental acceptance-rejection. The overall negative core belief played a significant partial mediating role in the relationship between parental acceptance-rejection and specific cognitive distortions. However, mother's acceptance and rejection were found to be a significant factor associated with negative core beliefs and cognitive distortion, whereas, father's acceptance and rejection did not have a significant impact on cognitive distortion. The study concluded that negative core beliefs about the self were a more pivotal mediator in the relationship between parental acceptance-rejection and cognitive distortion. While, mother’s rejection played a vital role in the formation of negative core beliefs and cognitive distortions.