Positive Parenting as a Moderator of the Association Between Alexithymia and Adolescent Aggression

The present study aimed to examine the moderating role of positive parenting in the relationship between alexithymia and aggression among students. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on students in Khorramabad city during the 2023-2024 academic year. A total of 155 participants were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data collection tools included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Anger and Aggression Scale by Neislon et al. (2000), and the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (1991). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and hierarchical regression analysis. The results revealed a significant relationship between alexithymia and aggression tendencies among students. Additionally, positive parenting played a moderating role in the relationship between alexithymia and aggression tendencies. Based on the findings, alexithymia significantly increases students’ tendency toward aggression. High levels of positive parenting can mitigate the negative effects of alexithymia, whereas low levels of positive parenting may exacerbate these effects.