Levels Of Social Anxiety Research Articles

Exploring the association between social camouflaging and self- versus caregiver-report discrepancies in anxiety and depressive symptoms in autistic and non-autistic socially anxious adolescents.

Social camouflaging or masking refers to strategies autistic individuals adopt to hide their autism persona when trying to fit in. It is unclear whether camouflaging is only applicable to social differences unique to autism, or more generally to any types of social difference, such as experiences of mental health difficulties. We asked 43 autistic and 39 non-autistic adolescents (aged 14-19 years, all of whom showed similarly high levels of social anxiety) and their primary caregivers to complete questionnaires about their mental health (anxiety and depression) and autistic traits, and adolescents self-reported camouflaging behaviours. We wondered if camouflaging may be used to hide mental health difficulties reported by young people and affect caregiver report on symptom severity. We found that adolescents who self-reported greater levels of autistic traits, anxiety and depression symptoms compared with their caregivers reported greater camouflaging. Adolescents who agreed on having high levels of autistic traits and anxiety symptoms with their caregivers reported greater camouflaging behaviours. We discuss how having high levels of autistic traits and anxiety may increase adolescents' camouflaging behaviours to hide social differences, which may contribute towards poor mental health outcomes. We think it is important to talk with adolescents about how camouflaging social and mental health difference can have negative impacts for mental health as well as possible positive social gains.

Tackling social anxiety with targeted brain stimulation: investigating the effects of transcranial static magnetic field stimulation on self-focused attention.

Previous studies suggested that self-focused attention (SFA), implicated in social anxiety disorder (SAD), correlates with heightened activity in the right frontopolar area (rFPA), which is the right prefrontal cortex just behind the forehead. Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method capable of temporarily suppressing brain function beneath the magnet. We explored whether tSMS on individuals with tendencies toward SAD elicited (1) suppressing rFPA activation during the resting-state and (2) reducing SFA during a subsequent speech task. Twenty-three university students with social anxiety performed two speech tasks. Between tasks, the tSMS group received neodymium magnet stimulation while the sham group received fake magnet stimulation on the rFPA for 20 min. Resting-state rFPA activities was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), while SFA (body sensations and observer perspective), field perspective, and detached mindfulness (DM) perspective were assessed via questionnaires during both speech tasks. The observer perspective means SFA to self-imagery from others' viewpoint, while the field and DM perspectives mean appropriately focusing on the external environment. The results indicated that tSMS intervention decreased rFPA activity from pre- to post-intervention rest. Then, tSMS reduced SFA to bodily sensations and increased DM perspective from pre- to post-intervention speech, especially in those with high levels of social anxiety. Furthermore, tSMS enhanced the field perspective regardless of social anxiety tendency. The results suggest that tSMS may suppress overactivity in rFPA, reduce SFA to body sensation, and increase adaptive attention in highly socially anxious individuals. Our study suggests the possibility of the clinical application of tSMS for treating SAD.

The effect of social appearance anxiety and loneliness on nomophobia levels of young adults

BackgroundNomophobia can be defined as a disorder in which people fear being away from their smartphone. Studies on the determinants of nomophobia in young adults seem to be limited. AimThis study aims to determine the levels of nomophobia, social appearance anxiety and loneliness in young adults and to examine the effects of social appearance anxiety and the level of social and emotional loneliness on nomophobia levels. DesignThis is a descriptive and correlational study. Data were collected from 687 young adults. Data were collected using the Information Form, the Nomophobia Scale, the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale, and the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults. Descriptive and multiple linear regression statistics were used. ResultsThe mean Nomophobia Scale score of the participants was 73.76 ± 27.46, which points to moderate nomophobia levels. The findings revealed those with a high level of social appearance anxiety have higher nomophobia levels. It was revealed that social appearance anxiety, social and emotional loneliness explain 8 % (Adjusted R2 = 0.082) of the variance in the nomophobia. ConclusionA sample of 687 participants showed that young adults were relatively moderately nomophobic. In this study, social appearance anxiety, social and emotional loneliness was determined as predictor of nomophobia.

The Association Between Loneliness, Social Anxiety, and Gaming Addiction in Male University Students

Gaming addiction is notably associated with increased levels of social anxiety and loneliness among adolescents. The current study intends to explore the relationship between online gaming addiction, social anxiety, and loneliness among male university students. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed to select male participants between the ages of 20 to 30 years. Data was collected using the Gaming Addiction Scale, the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and the Social Anxiety Scale (SAS), along with a demographic sheet. SPSS 23 was employed for the data analysis. Correlation analysis revealed that there is a positive correlation between addiction, loneliness, social anxiety, and gaming addiction. The multiple regression analysis indicated that social anxiety and loneliness are positive predictors of gaming addiction. An independent sample t-test showed a significantly higher level of interaction anxiety and evaluation anxiety among adolescents experiencing loneliness and being involved in addictive gaming behavior. The results of this study highlight the role of social anxiety and loneliness in the development of gaming addiction in adolescents, offering insight into the intricate interplay between these variables. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for additional research to better understand behavioral patterns in gaming activities, strengthening our ability to address the problem effectively.

The Relationship Between Body Dissatisfaction and Social Anxiety in Adolescents Using Instagram Face Filter

Introduction: Dissatisfaction with the body, especially the face, is often experienced by adolescents during their development. These feelings encourage adolescents, especially women, to try to disguise their dissatisfaction by using face filters on the Instagram application. The appearance gap between the real and virtual worlds can cause anxiety when socializing. This study aimed to determine the relationship between body dissatisfaction and social anxiety of adolescent girls who use face filters on the Instagram application. Method: The type of research used is an observational analytic correlation with a cross-sectional approach with a total sample of 165 people taken through a purposive sampling technique. The level of body dissatisfaction was measured using the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scale with a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.866. In contrast, the level of social anxiety was measured using the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents with a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient ranging from 0.76-0.91. Results: The results of univariate analysis using frequency distribution analysis showed that the majority of respondents had moderate levels of body dissatisfaction (24.2%) and average levels of social anxiety (52.7%), while the results of bivariate analysis using Pearson Product Moment r=0.435** (p-value=0.001) showed that the higher the level of dissatisfaction with the body, the higher the value of adolescent social anxiety levels, and vice versa. Conclusions: It can be concluded that there is a relationship between body dissatisfaction and the social anxiety of adolescent girls who use face filters on the Instagram application. Providing health education to teenage users of Instagram face filters can be given to reduce body dissatisfaction and anxiety in establishing social relationships.

Analytical study of social networking sites usage and social anxiety among physical education students

<div class="translate-tooltip-mtz green sm-root translate hidden_translate"><div class="header-wrapper">Social networking sites usages (SNSu) are online platforms used for communication, sharing, and connecting with others. This paper aims to investigate the current status of SNSu among students in physical education college, as well as the differences in SNSu based on gender. Additionally, we aimed to assess the level of social anxiety among the study participants and examine whether it varied by gender and SNSu. We conducted a descriptive survey among 1,109 physical education students (688 females and 421 males) enrolled in public universities. We administered the social anxiety disorder-adult and SNSu questionnaire using Google Forms. We analyzed the data using means, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages, One-way ANOVA, and chi-square tests with a confidence level of 95% (p<0.05). The results of the study showed that both male and female students used social networking sites (SNS) more than 10 times a day, with percentages of 46.3% and 46.1%, respectively. Additionally, 43.7% of male and 49.1% of female students reported using SNS for more than three hours per day. The mean score for social anxiety was 20.20, indicating a severe level of social anxiety among the study participants. Based on the responses of the sample study, the results showed an increase in negative indicators associated with SNSu and these unfavorable indicators were accompanied by an increase in the level of social anxiety.</div></div>

Social anxiety and loneliness among older adults: a moderated mediation model

BackgroundFew studies have clarified the mechanisms linking social anxiety and loneliness in older populations. The study aimed to explore how social network mediate the relationship between social anxiety and loneliness in older adults, with perceived social support playing a moderating role.MethodsA total of 454 older patients completed the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale, Lubben Social Network Scale-6, Chinese version of the Short Loneliness Scale and Perceived Social Support Scale. Bootstrap and simple slope methods were used to test the moderated mediation model.ResultsSocial anxiety had a significant positive predictive effect on loneliness and social network partially mediated this relationship. The relationship between social anxiety and social network, as well as the relationship between social network and loneliness, was moderated by perceived social support. Specifically, perceived social support buffered the effects of social anxiety on social network, but the buffering effect diminished with increasing levels of social anxiety. On the social network and loneliness pathway, the social network of older persons with higher perceived social support has a stronger prediction of loneliness.ConclusionsThe study found that social anxiety can contribute to loneliness by narrowing older adults’ social network. High perceived social support can buffer this process, but do not overstate its protective effects. Thus, interventions to reduce social anxiety and improve social network and social support may help prevent and alleviate loneliness in older adults.

Can a PERMA model-based positive psychological intervention affect the SIA and SWB of vocational college students majoring in nursing in China?

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of a PERMA model-based positive psychological intervention on vocational college students' social interaction anxiety and subjective well-being. This is an experimental study in which data were collected through self-administered questionnaire. A total of 261 students from four classes at Caofeidian College of Technology without differences in the levels of social interaction anxiety and subjective well-being were selected as the control group and intervention group randomly. Students in the control group received a traditional psychological intervention, while students in the invention group received a PERMA model-based positive psychological intervention. Thereafter, the research team collected data regarding students' social interaction anxiety and subjective well-being. Based on the result obtained, the mean score for social interaction anxiety in the invention group was significantly lower than those in the control group (42.95 vs. 53.07, p < 0.001) and the mean score for subjective well-being was significantly higher than those in the control group (92.58 vs. 87.26, p < 0.001). A PERMA model-based positive psychological intervention can effectively relieve the social interaction anxiety of nursing students in vocational colleges, and improve their subjective well-being levels.

Self-concept clarity in social anxiety: psychometric properties and factor structure of the Self-Concept Clarity Scale in a social anxiety disorder sample

ABSTRACT Background The Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS) is a 12-item self-report measure that assesses self-concept clarity (SCC). Previous research has identified a relationship between lower SCC and higher levels of social anxiety. As a measure of positive psychological well-being, the SCCS can be used as a tool to examine and monitor SCC in populations with social anxiety disorder (SAD) who appear to be susceptible to inconsistent or unstable self-concept. However, the scale has yet to be validated with a SAD sample. Methods A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted on the SCCS data of sample of 87 individuals who met criteria for a diagnosis of SAD (M = 20.15, SD = 3.55; 83% female) and the reliability, convergent validity and norm scores of the SCCS with a SAD were also investigated. Results Results of the CFA supported a unidimensional factor structure. The SCCS was found to have good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .80) and SCCS scores were found to correlate with measures of psychological distress and social fears, however, no correlation was found with measures of social anxiety behaviours. Also, overall results found that the SAD sample scored lower on SCC than other clinical samples in previous literature. Conclusions These findings suggest that the SCCS is a psychometrically sound measure with unidimensional factor structure and demonstrated reliability and validity with a SAD sample, although additional research is warranted to replicate and extend the results of the current research.

A Cross Sectional Study on the Effects of Social Media on Anxiety among Students in University of Cyberjaya

Introduction: In this cross-sectional study, University of Cyberjaya students' anxiety levels are examined in relation to their intensity of social media. Understanding the potential consequences on anxiety is crucial for managing mental health issues given the rising popularity of social media use among university students. The study aims to offer valuable information that can guide support and counselling services, encouraging a healthy digital environment and well-being among students at the University of Cyberjaya by examining the relationship between social media use and anxiety. Methods: This is a cross sectional study comprising a total of 306 undergraduate students from five faculties enrolled in University of Cyberjaya, which uses Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Social Media Intensity Scale as a primary instrument. Results: The prevalence of anxiety among UOC students is 80.72% (n=247). The respondents on social media intensity shows about (50.65%, n=155) claimed that social media is part of their everyday activity and (42.16%, n= 129) claims that they use privacy settings to select parts of their profile to share with others. Finding shows that there is no significant association between social media and anxiety among the students in University of Cyberjaya (p=0.08). Conclusion: The study concluded that among the participating students, there was no statistically significant correlation between social media use and anxiety levels. Further research with a bigger sample size and a longitudinal methodology may be required to further understand the link between social media and anxiety in a university setting.

Negative self-reference as a component of subthreshold psychotic symptoms in clinical high-risk youth.

Schizophrenia is a leading cause of disability worldwide; early detection and intervention are critical. Early in their illness, individuals at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis have subthreshold psychotic symptoms that are often derogatory and self-directed. We hypothesized that CHR participants with negative self-reference (NSR) as a component of subthreshold psychosis would also have higher levels of social anxiety and depression, lower self-esteem and lower social/role/global functioning as compared with CHR participants without NSR. One hundred and sixty-eight participants from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) funded Regroup Cognitive Behavioural Social Skills Training (CBSST) study were included. Clinical vignettes that included the Scale of Psychosis-Risk Symptoms were coded categorically to indicate whether NSR was present. t-tests were used to determine the association between NSR, symptom, and functional measures. Participants with NSR demonstrated significantly more social interaction anxiety (p < .001), negative beliefs about the self (p ≤ .001), defeatist beliefs (p < .05), depressive symptoms (p < .05) and positive symptoms (p < .005). There were no significant differences in social self-efficacy, positive or negative beliefs about others, positive beliefs about the self or psychosocial functioning between the two groups. Clinically significant differences were found between CHR participants with and without NSR, suggesting that this may be a useful factor to identify and address. Follow-up studies are needed to determine whether NSR responds to CBSST and whether or not its resolution would be associated with improvement in other symptom domains.

Impact of Social Anxiety on Assertiveness: Role of Gender

The study was conducted to investigate the impact of social anxiety on assertiveness a role of gender. Social anxiety is a persistent fear of social interactions due to severe evaluation apprehension. Assertiveness is an important social skill which promotes personal well-being. Correlational research design was used. Survey was conducted as a method of data collection. Students were selected through convenient sampling technique. Sample size was 200 (n=100 male, n=100 female) college students. The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) by Prendergast (2021) and the Rathus Assertiveness Scale (RAS) by Spencer Rathus (1973) were used to measure social anxiety and assertiveness. Findings of the study reveal that there was significant negative correlation between social anxiety and assertiveness. Moreover, results suggest that social anxiety is a negative predictor of assertiveness among college students. Female college students report higher level of social anxiety as compared to male. In addition, male are more assertive in their college life than females. To overcome the social anxiety education department gave the exposure of coping strategies.

How Society Anxiety Influences Attention Control in College Students: The Moderated Mediation Effect of Cognitive Flexibility and Resting-state Electroencephalography Activity.

Social anxiety is a prevalent issue among college students, adversely affecting their overall well-being. Drawing from the cognitive model of social anxiety and attention control theory, heightened levels of social anxiety may correspond to poorer attention control ability. However, little is known about the underlying cognitive mechanisms of the relationship between social anxiety and attention control. To address this research gap, the current study recruited a sample of 156 college students (56 women) who underwent self-report measures of social anxiety, cognitive flexibility, and attention control, followed by a resting-state EEG recording. The results revealed a significant negative predictive effect of social anxiety on attention control, with cognitive flexibility partially mediating this relationship. Furthermore, resting-state theta power emerged as a significant moderator, accentuating the negative impact of social anxiety on cognitive flexibility among individuals with lower theta power. In addition, frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) demonstrated a moderating effect, with lower FAA intensifying the predictive influence of cognitive flexibility on attention control. Taken together, these results suggested that social anxiety can predict attention control either directly or indirectly via the mediating role of cognitive flexibility, and lower theta power and FAA has a risk amplification effect, which provide novel insights into the treatment and prevention of social anxiety and its negative impact on college students.

Relationship Between Social Anxiety and Self-esteem Among Undergraduate Nursing Students.

Social anxiety disorder is the third most common disorder in the general population. Social phobia has a significant impact on nursing colleagues' self-esteem. The purpose of the current study was to assess social anxiety and its relation to self-esteem among nursing students. The study was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 231 nursing students through a convenience sampling method. The instruments of the study included "Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)" and the "Rosenberg self-esteem scale." The results indicated that the social anxiety mean was 15.1 ± 11.1 (ranging from 0 to 68) and the self-esteem was 19.9 ± 4.5 (ranging from 0 to 30). The current study indicates that female and social anxiety are predictors of self-esteem among nursing students. Also, the present study concludes that lower social anxiety is associated significantly with higher self-esteem among Palestinian undergraduate nursing students (r = -.35, P < .001). The study concludes that there are inverse correlation between social anxiety and self-esteem among Palestinian undergraduate nursing students. Even though most students showed modest levels of social anxiety and normal self-esteem.

Social Communication Problems, Social Anxiety, and Mood Problems among Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder from Teachers' Point of View

This study examined the level of social communication problems, social anxiety, and mood problems among children with ASD (age 6-13 years) enrolled in special classes (n=46) and regular classes (n=36) from teachers' point of view in the schools of a part of Palestine. Teachers responded to three questionnaires - social communication problems, social anxiety and mood problems- that were used to answer the research questions. Results: social communication problems, social anxiety and mood problems were of medium rates for students with ASD enrolled in reguler and special classes. No significant differences in the level of social communication problems could be attributed to class type (Regular, Special) or the grade level-(1st – 3rd, 4th - 6th). There were significant differences in social anxiety levels that could be attributed to grade level in favor of the 4th - 6th grades but there were no significant differences according to class type (Regular, Special). There were statistically significant differences in mood problems levels that could be attributed to the class type in favor of special classes, but no differences were found according to grade level. There was a direct significant relationship between communication problems, social anxiety, and mood problems. Conclusion: social communication problems may be an important risk factor for the development of social anxiety and mood problems among students with ASD.

Underlying processes in the Norwegian Universal Preventive Program for social anxiety

Objective: Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is among the most common, widespread, and incapacitating psychiatric disorders, also among children and adolescents. Although efficient treatments have been reported, few children and adolescents receive adequate treatment. A universal prevention program has been shown to be efficacious both among those with syndromal and subsyndromal social anxiety. However, few universal prevention investigations undergo testing of mechanistic hypotheses or how an intervention works across levels of social anxiety. This study aims to test and report the processes underlying the effectiveness of an RCT prevention program to reduce social anxiety in a population-based sample of preadolescents. Method: A parallel multiple mediator model was used to examine the mediation of outcomes from the Norwegian Universal Prevention Program for Social Anxiety (NUPP-SA) by five intermediary variables that well approximate established DSM-5 social anxiety disorder diagnostic criteria. The sample consisted of 1748 pupils between 11 years - 14 years (SD = 1.1) of age assessed twice during a one-year period. Results: The NUPP-SA works differently for the total sample compared to those with social anxiety disorder symptoms. Among the former, the NUPP-SA intervention works via public performance, avoidance, physical/cognitive, and assertiveness factors. For the latter, the NUPP-SA works via the public performance factor. The intervention did not work for either group via the social encounter factor. Conclusion: Universal prevention programs are essential for reducing the impacts of chronic disorders at the individual, institutional, and societal levels. The results from this study support the notion that many children with various levels of social anxiety can be impacted with a Universal prevention intervention program specifically aimed at reducing public performance anxiety.

The more attention you get, the better you feel? A study on the influence of being envied on inconspicuous consumption

PurposeFrom a relational maintenance perspective, this study explores the impact of being envied (benignly vs maliciously) on consumers' feelings of social anxiety and its influence on their tendencies toward inconspicuous consumption, based on the resource conservation theory and the model of “Sensitivity about Being the Target of a Threatening Upward Comparison.” (STTUC)Design/methodology/approachFour studies were conducted in this paper. Studies 1a and 1b tested the main hypothesis that being maliciously envied (vs benignly) can increase consumers' inconspicuous consumption of luxury products and luxury hotel experiences. Study 2 replicated this finding and examined the mediating role of social anxiety. Study 3 investigated the moderating effect of ideal self-congruity (low vs high).FindingsThe findings reveal that being maliciously envied (vs benignly) is associated with higher levels of inconspicuous consumption and social anxiety acts as a mediating role. Moreover, when individuals have a strong sense of ideal self-congruity, the positive impact of being maliciously envied (vs benignly) on inconspicuous consumption is further amplified, confirming the moderating role of ideal self-congruity.Originality/valueThis study sheds light on a novel mechanism that elucidates how different types of being envied influence consumers' inconspicuous consumption and the conditions under which this impact is heightened.

State mindfulness mediates relation between brief mindfulness training and sustained engagement with social stressor across social anxiety levels

State mindfulness mediates relation between brief mindfulness training and sustained engagement with social stressor across social anxiety levels

Subjective pain and reward in a social judgment paradigm

Affective problems such as social anxiety and depression theoretically involve negative cognitive biases that trigger and maintain symptoms during everyday experiences. This study employed a social judgment paradigm to investigate possible biases in expectation of social acceptance, and subjective feelings of pain and reward. Healthy adult participants (N = 120) were told their image had been judged by others. In 120 trials, they were shown photos of the judges and asked to anticipate whether they were liked by them or not, before being shown the judgment. Participants rated their level of pain and reward in each trial. Results indicated that social acceptance was expected less often by participants with higher levels of social anxiety. Self-reported pain was greatest after unexpected rejection. A greater likelihood of the presence of pain and higher self-reported pain were associated with higher levels of social anxiety and depression respectively. Self-reported reward was greatest after expected acceptance, and was not associated with social anxiety or depression. This study provides subjective experience information that has been missing from existing social judgment research. Moreover, these findings suggest that in social situations, those with social anxiety and depression more often expect rejection and experience rejection as more painful, respectively. These biases are potential maintaining factors and may be targets for further research and future intervention development.

Does cognitive impairment moderate the relationship between social isolation and anxiety? A 5-year longitudinal study of a nationally representative sample of community residing older adults

BackgroundAnxiety is common in older adults and social isolation is one of the leading factors associated with their anxiety. However, what is unknown is how the relationship between social isolation and anxiety differs by cognitive status. Therefore, this study was conducted to (1) compare the level of social isolation and anxiety in older adults who developed probable dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to those who maintained normal cognitive function over 5 years; and (2) determine if cognitive impairment moderates the relationship between changes in social isolation and changes in anxiety over 5 years.MethodsA secondary data analysis was conducted using the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP): Wave 2 (2010–2011) and Wave 3 (2015–2016). The participants were categorized into three groups: Participants who developed probable dementia over 5 years (4.3%), developed probable MCI (19.1%), or maintained normal cognitive function (76.6%). Weighted linear regression analyses with a group interaction were used to examine the moderating effect of cognitive impairment on the relationship between changes in social isolation and anxiety.ResultsAt the 5-year follow up, there were statistically significant differences in social isolation between the three groups (p = 0.043). Regression analyses showed that increased social isolation over time was related to increased anxiety over 5 years regardless of cognitive status after controlling for covariates (p = 0.017).ConclusionsThe relationship between social isolation and anxiety was a universal phenomenon regardless of cognitive status. Tailored interventions targeting both people with or without cognitive impairment are needed to lessen social isolation and anxiety.