Exploring the Relationship Between Other-Directedness Schema and Dysfunctional Anger Expression in Korean Adults: Mediating Roles of Rejection Sensitivity and Mentalizing

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.