The mediator role of identity salience and defeat and entrapment in the relationship between centrality of events and existential annihilation anxiety

Abstract

This study aims to examine the mediator role of identity salience and defeat and entrapment in the relationship between centrality of events and existential annihilation anxiety. The sample of the study consists of 379 participants between the ages of 18-64 from Turkey. To test the research model, the parallel multiple mediator model analysis was conducted. Correlation analysis indicated that centrality of events had a significant positive relationship with two sub-dimensions of identity salience (commitment and militancy), as well as defeat and entrapment. However, existential annihilation anxiety was significantly correlated with only commitment and defeat and entrapment. Defeat and entrapment and the one sub-dimension of identity salience (commitment) play a mediating role in the relationship between centrality of event and existential annihilation anxiety. These results imply that clinicians and researchers should focus on identity and self-appraisals more when working with trauma.