From authenticity to fear of growing up: the mediating role of social interest

This study examined the mediating role of social interest in predicting the effect of authenticity on fear of growing up in emerging adulthood university students, which is proposed as a new developmental concept. Data were collected from 355 students (291 female, 64 male) studying at universities in Ankara. The study method was a relational survey, and the mediation model to be developed was tested. Personal information form, Authenticity Scale, Fear of Growth Scale, and Social Interest Scale were used to collect data. SPSS 28 program was used in data analysis, and Hayes macro was used in the mediation analysis of social interest in the effect of authenticity levels on fear of growth. The data of the study were collected online via Google Forms. According to the results, as authenticity increases, fear of growth decreases. There is a good and positive relationship between authenticity and social interest, and social interest hurts fear of growth. The mediation analysis of social interest in predicting the effect of authenticity on fear of growth was conducted, and partial mediation was found.