Leila Ebrahimi Varzaneh, Fatemeh Nemati Sogolitappeh, Pariya Faramarzyan,
Volume 25, Issue 97 (5-2026)
Abstract
Aim: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived social support and academic anxiety in students, and the mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation in this relationship. Focusing on both interpersonal and intrapersonal mechanisms, the study sought to clarify how perceived support from family, friends, and teachers can reduce exam- and entrance-test-related anxiety by enhancing students’ emotion regulation capacities. Methods: This correlational study used a multistage cluster sampling method with 210 senior high school and pre-university students in Isfahan. Data were analyzed using multiple regression in SPSS after obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality. Instruments included the Sarason Test Anxiety Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the short version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, all with established reliability and validity. Findings: Findings indicated that perceived social support had a significant negative direct effect on difficulties in emotion regulation, while difficulties in emotion regulation had a significant positive direct effect on academic anxiety. Bootstrap analysis showed a significant indirect effect of perceived social support on academic anxiety through difficulties in emotion regulation, confirming its mediating role. Conclusion: Results suggest that perceived social support is associated with reduced difficulties in emotion regulation and lower academic anxiety, with part of its effect operating through improved emotion regulation skills. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening supportive networks and teaching emotion regulation strategies in educational and psychological interventions to sustainably reduce students’ academic anxiety.
