Subjective and Objective Arousal Correspondence and the Role of Self-monitoring Processes in High and Low Socially Anxious Youth

Abstract

Previous research found weak correspondence between subjective and objective arousal measures during social-evaluative tasks, particularly in high socially anxious individuals. This study evaluated subjective-objective correspondence in high versus low socially anxious youth (9–17 years). Sixty-six high (HSA; 38 boys and 28 girls) and 61 low (LSA; 37 boys and 24 girls) socially anxious youth participated in a speech task, with a moderately (pre-speech), high (speech), and low anxious (recovery) phase. Subjective experience of nervousness, heart rate and sweaty palms were measured along with salivary cortisol, actual heart rate, and skin conductance. Participants also completed questionnaires measuring 3 self-monitoring variables; self-focused attention, emotional awareness, and negative thoughts. Results showed that HSA participants had exaggerated perceptions of their physiological arousal. However, they did not have weaker subjective-objective correspondence than LSA participants. Correspondence was rather low in both groups. Finally, inclusion of the self-monitoring variables improved the prediction of subjectively experienced arousal in both groups.