Social Anxiety Research Articles

‘I have aym’d my black shafts at white markes’: Colours in The Queen of Corinth

The article offers a new angle on The Queen of Corinth (1617), a tragicomedy that Philip Massinger co-wrote with John Fletcher and Nathan Field. It discusses the way in which colours are skilfully used to sketch out the characters’ personalities, reproduce their mindset, values, gender, and social roles, and define the different agencies of men and women. This article sheds light on how the presence of colours and their interaction convey a cultural ideology and negotiate multiple meanings in terms of morality, sexual politics, gender, and justice while crystallising the sexual, social, and political anxieties of the period.

A latent profile analysis of social anxiety among Chinese left-behind children and adolescents: Associations with online parent-child communication and online social capital

BackgroundChildren and adolescents impacted by their left-behind status are more likely to suffer social anxiety. In this regard, as information and communication technology has developed, the role of online parent-child communication (OPCC) and online social capital (OSC) has become more important. However, few studies, if any, have examined the profiles of Chinese left-behind children and adolescents and their associations with OPCC and OSC. ObjectiveFirst, to identify the profiles of social anxiety among Chinese left-behind children and adolescents by conducting latent profile analysis (LPA). Second, to determine associations between the profiles with OPCC, OSC, and three demographic factors (age, grade, and gender). Participants and settingA sample of 1358 left-behind children and adolescents (mean age: 13.87; range: 8–19) was recruited in southwest China. MethodsLPA was used to analyze the sample for heterogeneity. Multinomial logistical regression analysis was adopted to assess the effectiveness of OPCC and the role of OSC. ResultsThree subgroups emerged: (1) Low social anxiety (25.7 %), (2) Moderate social anxiety (53.3 %), and (3) High social anxiety (21.0 %). Using multinomial logistical regression, results showed a higher possibility for left-behind children and adolescents with more OPCC and OSC to fall into the high social anxiety group. ConclusionsFindings from the present study appear to contradict existing research, indicating that OPCC and OSC are negatively associated with the likelihood of falling into higher social anxiety, and it is necessary to address the importance of the quality of OPCC and the side effects of OSC in future research.

The impact of stress on sleep quality: a mediation analysis based on longitudinal data.

This study evaluates the potential mechanisms through which stress affects sleep quality and examines the mediating roles of rumination, social anxiety, emotion-focused coping strategies, and smartphone dependence in the relationship between stress and sleep quality. From October 2023 to April 2024, we conducted three surveys with 426 university students and utilized structural equation modeling to explore the mechanisms by which stress impacts sleep quality. Stress not only significantly predicts sleep quality but also significantly affects sleep quality through rumination, emotion-focused coping strategies, and smartphone dependence as independent mediators. Additionally, stress influences sleep quality through both dual-mediation and triple-mediation paths. Stress has a significant direct and indirect impact on sleep quality. This study reveals the complex mechanisms through which stress affects sleep quality. Improving individuals' sleep quality requires not only considering the influence of real-life stressors but also examining the intersecting effects between stress and factors such as ruminative thinking, social anxiety, smartphone dependency, and emotion-focused coping strategies. The intense social competition in Chinese society exacerbates the decline in sleep quality, highlighting the need for the government to implement more policies aimed at maintaining the physical and mental health of the population to alleviate the increasingly severe sleep issues and mental health crisis.

Acceptability, engagement, and efficacy of cognitive remediation for cognitive outcomes in young adults with first-episode psychosis and social anxiety: A randomized-controlled trial

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a frequent comorbidity in first-episode psychosis (FEP) and may increase cognitive impairments. Cognitive remediation (CR) is an effective treatment for cognition, particularly in a group format. This study aims to assess the efficacy, acceptability and engagement of group CR on cognitive outcomes in FEP+SAD compared to group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Participants with FEP+SAD were randomized to group CR (n = 45) or CBT-SAD (n = 51). They were assessed for cognition at baseline, post-therapy and 3- and 6-month follow-up. The CR group additionally completed scale to assess perceived competency and enjoyment in CR. Linear mixed models for repeated measures were used for cognitive scores. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to summarize acceptability, perceived competency, and enjoyment, for CR completers and non-completers. The CR group performed significantly better than CBT on executive functions and visual memory at post-therapy compared to baseline. Twenty participants completed CR (44 %; mean 5.5 sessions). At week 1, CR non-completers presented higher levels of perceived competency. Completers reported higher enjoyment scores at the last session compared to the first session. Group CR is effective for cognitive outcomes in FEP+SAD, but acceptability and engagement present a challenge. Future studies are necessary to explore approaches promoting engagement.

Virtual Reality-Based Exposure With 360° Environments for Social Anxiety Disorder: Usability and Feasibility Study.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations that can affect work, school, and other daily activities. Although cognitive behavioral therapy is effective, few seek treatment, and many who do start often drop out. This may be due to the component of exposure inherent to cognitive behavioral therapy, where the patient confronts feared stimuli outside the therapist's office, which they otherwise try to avoid. As an alternative, research has explored the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based exposure therapy with promising results. However, few studies have investigated the feasibility of VR tools using mixed methodologies before assessing their efficacy. This study aims to assess the usability, feasibility, and presence of four 360° virtual environments and whether these were able to evoke anxiety in patients with SAD. A total of 10 adult participants with SAD and 10 healthy controls were recruited for 1 experimental session (age range 21-32 y; 12/20, 60% male participants). Questionnaire and interview data were collected and analyzed. A mixed methods triangulation design was applied to analyze and compare the data. Participants with SAD experienced increased anxiety when exposed to VR, and environments were considered relevant and useful as an exposure tool. Participants with SAD reported significantly higher average anxiety levels (P=.01) and peak anxiety levels (P=.01) compared with controls during exposure; however, significant differences in anxiety when accounting for baseline anxiety levels were only found in 2 of 4 environments (P=.01, P=.01, P=.07, and P=.06). While presence scores were acceptable in both groups, participants with SAD scored significantly lower than controls. Qualitative analyses highlight this finding within the SAD group, where some participants experienced presence reduction due to being observed while in VR and in situations with reduced interaction in VR. VR exposure with 360° videos seems to be useful as a first step of exposure therapy for patients with SAD. Future exploration in the clinical application of VR-based exposure for SAD, as well as means of increasing presence within the virtual environments, may be useful.

Social anxiety in culturally diverse young people: An insight into lived experiences

AbstractObjectivesThere is little research exploring the subthreshold social anxiety (SSA) in culturally diverse young people. This study addresses this gap and provides an insight into the vivid world of this ‘hidden’ population.DesignFour participants from England were interviewed using semi‐structured interviews. Four superordinate themes and their corresponding subordinate themes emerged from the transcripts: Excessive self‐consciousness—The inner critic and Feeling judged by others; Influences of social and cultural norms—The impact of dress‐code rules and The pressure of high expectations; Embracing a false reality—Patterns of avoidance and The public self; and Coping strategies—Breaking the wall of cultural norms, Pushing the bubble out and Know that you are not alone. Due to the vastness of the data, this study presents only the first two superordinate themes and their corresponding subordinate themes.MethodsThe author chose interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). This allowed the participants to describe thoroughly their lived experiences and enabled the researcher to adopt a scientific approach.ResultsThe results revealed that the socio‐cultural background of this population played a pivotal role in the prevalence and expression of SSA.ConclusionsThe participants' experiences were significantly influenced by the social and cultural norms of their country of origin as well as the characteristics of modern society in England. The predominant factors were the pressure of high expectations from family and society, transgenerational trauma, socio‐cultural norms, uncertainty about the future and lack of opportunities to secure employment. Future research could examine the socio‐cultural influences shaping contemporary British society and their impact on youth's mental health.

Fear of appearance discrimination and its influence on well‐being across cultures

AbstractLookism encompasses discrimination based on a person's physical appearance. In a society where lookism is prevalent, the question arises concerning the impact of the fear of lookism on one's well‐being. To address this issue, we assessed the fear of anticipated appearance discrimination by constructing a new Fear of Lookism Scale (FLS). By testing 400 Japanese participants, we developed a three‐factor seven‐item scale and confirmed its convergent validity by establishing significantly positive correlations among its subscales (exclusion/devaluation, romantic rejection and insult) and related measures (physical appearance perfectionism and social appearance anxiety) in Study 1. In Study 2a, we gathered data from 312 Japanese participants to assess the scale's test–retest reliability. In Study 2b, combining data from 401 American participants with data from Study 2a, we verified FLS measurement invariance in the United States and Japan. Japanese participants scored higher on the FLS than Americans, particularly for exclusion/devaluation and insult. Across cultures, romantic rejection and insult were positively associated with physical appearance perfectionism, which, in turn, decreased subjective happiness through impacting self‐esteem (or increased loneliness) and increased subjective happiness through impacting self‐esteem (or decreased loneliness) respectively.

Linking early emotional abuse/neglect with young adolescents’ social (versus general) anxiety symptoms: A developmental cascade through emotion regulation

Despite the widely documented implications of childhood emotional abuse/neglect for subsequent anxiety symptoms, the implicated mechanisms remain under-revealed, especially the various transdiagnostic and specific pathways related to early experiences of emotional abuse versus emotional neglect and different types of subsequent anxiety symptoms (social versus general). Using three-wave data from 844 Chinese adolescents (Meanage = 13.21 at Wave 1, SD = 0.39; 53 % Boys), we tested emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) as explanatory mechanisms underlying the links between childhood emotional abuse/neglect and subsequent social anxiety symptoms (SAS), while simultaneously considering general anxiety symptoms (GAS) for the identification of possible specificity. Results indicated that expressive suppression played a mediating role in the links between emotional neglect and both forms of anxiety symptoms, whereas cognitive reappraisal served as a linking mechanism only for the link between emotional neglect and GAS. No effects were identified for emotional abuse. All associations were identified after controlling for the baseline levels of anxiety symptoms, the baseline uses of emotion regulation strategies, and covariates (age, gender, and family socioeconomic status). Our findings re-confirm that emotion regulation is an important intermediate process accounting for anxiety-related sequelae of early emotional deprivation, suggesting that expressive suppression appears to be a more developmentally transdiagnostic process shaped particularly by early emotional neglect to contribute to different types of subsequent anxiety symptoms. Accordingly, educational and clinical practices on emotion regulation likely benefit the affective well-being of young adolescents whose childhood has been clouded with emotional neglect.

Patients with type 2 diabetes and surgical foot wounds: Overtrust in primary care physicians, isolation, and difficulties contemplating the future

AimsIn Europe, 27 % of patients with a podiatric complication of diabetes are referred to a specialized structure for surgery after more than 3 months’ disease progression. Our study aimed to analyze access to healthcare and future self-projection in patients with severe diabetic foot conditions. MethodsWe performed a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews in patients hospitalized with diabetic foot conditions requiring surgical treatment. We collected quantitative data on the diabetes characteristics, levels of social precariousness, anxiety and depression. ResultsWe conducted 13 interviews with 2 females and 11 males; mean age 62.7 years. Five had undergone surgical debridement, six toe amputation, and two mid-tarsal amputation. Most were socioeconomically deprived and/or isolated. Three discourse themes emerged: 1) heterogeneity in the care pathway, with systemic barriers, negligence or overtrust 2) relationship between social support and the ability to project oneself into the future, 3) poverty of speech. ConclusionsEducation should emphasize the importance of prompt referral to a specialized structure after the onset of a wound. The lack of support from loved ones and social support appeared to be associated with patients’ failure to plan for their future. We advocate for a psychological evaluation and support for all these patients.

A Meta-analysis on the Influence of Authoritarian Parenting Style on Adolescents' Social Anxiety

Aim To understand the influence of authoritarian parenting style in adolescents' social anxiety.  Methodology Previous research papers and articles published on this topic were reviewed and comprehended through google scholar and pub med etc that were previously used by other scholars. After collecting various studies, these studies were reviewed and reached a conclusion.  Literature Review This study comprises various papers conducted by researchers on the impact of authoritarian parenting on adolescents’ social anxiety. These studies were assumed to be the data for this present study. This study was successfully completed by discussing the findings of these already existing studies.  Discussion and Interpretation Many studies have found that authoritarian parenting has a significant direct effect on social anxiety in adolescents. The cold and rejecting parenting enhances fear in the child. As the child grows into adolescence, the teen may withdraw from social situations and isolate himself or herself solely because of the fear of being judged and scrutinized by others.  Conclusion It is suggested that parents should not adopt authoritarian parenting to upbring the child. Girls were reported to be higher in social anxiety as compared to boys.

Exploring the Link Between Social Media Engagement, Social Anxiety, and Environmental Preferences in University Students

As mental health issues become increasingly prominent, social anxiety is prevalent among university students and significantly affects their social behaviors and environmental preferences. With the increasing reliance on social media, understanding how these behaviors shape preferences for physical social environments is crucial for designing supportive campus spaces. This study investigates the relationship between social anxiety, social media usage, and environmental preferences in campus settings. We aim to identify the key environmental factors that can promote healthier social interactions for students with varying levels of social anxiety and social media use. Data were collected from university students through a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, online and offline behavior, social media usage intensity, social anxiety level, and environmental preferences. Using K-means clustering, participants were grouped into four clusters based on their social media usage and social anxiety levels. ANOVA and Multivariate Multiple Regression (MMR) were conducted to examine differences in environmental preferences across these clusters. Significant differences in environmental preferences were observed across the four clusters. Gender and grade influenced social anxiety levels, with females and undergraduate students reporting greater anxiety. Individuals with high social media use, regardless of their anxiety levels, generally exhibited stronger preferences for various environmental dimensions, including openness, convenience, facility provision, safety/comfort, and cultural landscape. However, individuals with higher social anxiety tended to prefer enclosed, facility-rich, and more controlled environments. The relationship between social anxiety and preferences for convenience, safety/comfort, and cultural landscape was minimal or non-significant. This study highlights the importance of considering both behavioral and psychological factors when designing university social environments. By identifying specific environmental preferences of students with high social anxiety, the findings offer evidence-based recommendations for creating more inclusive and supportive campus spaces that promote positive social interactions and well-being.

Parent-Child Relationships and Adolescents' Non-Cognitive Skills: Role of Social Anxiety and Number of Friends.

This study aimed to examine the association between parent-child relationships and adolescents' non-cognitive skills, while also investigating the mediating effect of social anxiety and number of friends. A survey was conducted with 773 students, ranging from grade 4 to 9, in five public schools of Guangdong Province of China (49.9% male), with a mean age of 12.20 years old. Latent mediation structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that (1) the father-child relationship and mother-child relationship both had a positive influence on grit, innovation, conscientiousness, and hope; (2) social anxiety had a negative effect on adolescent non-cognitive skills including innovation, conscientiousness, and hope; (3) the number of positive friends was found to be positively associated with the development of non-cognitive skills in adolescents, whereas the presence of negative friends correlated negatively with grit but positively with innovation; (4) social anxiety emerged as a significant mediating variable between parent-child relationships and adolescents' non-cognitive skills, including innovation, conscientiousness, and hope; and (5) the mediating effect of the number of positive friends on the relationship between parent-child relationships and grit, innovation, conscientiousness, and hope was also found to be significant. Educational programs and family interventions should take these factors into account, providing a more holistic approach to supporting adolescent growth.

Hypnotherapy modulating early and late event-related potentials components of face processing in social anxiety.

Hypnotherapy has a potential role in modulating attention bias to treat social anxiety disorder (SAD). This study aimed to verify whether hypnotherapy can reduce social anxiety by changing attentional bias. The primary objective of our study is to explore the influence of hypnosis on various aspects of attention processes, specifically focusing on how it affects attention bias and social anxiety. This study included 69 participants with SAD who were assigned to three groups based on their scores on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). The experimental group (n = 23) received a hypnosis treatment once a week, for a total of six sessions, while the control group (n = 23) and the baseline group (n = 23) did not receive any treatment. To evaluate whether hypnosis could alleviate SAD and attention bias towards threatening stimuli, we employed questionnaires and an odd-one-out task accompanied by electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. Under the attention sensitivity conditions, the experimental group exhibited a reduced N170 and LPP at the posttest stage, and a similar N170 and LPP reduction under the attention disengagement conditions. Notably, the symptom improvements were positively correlated with the reduction in N170 and LPP amplitude across conditions. Hypnosis treatment modulates the early face processing and late emotional evaluation of threat-related stimuli in SAD patients. These findings suggest that N170 and LPP are important biomarkers for the treatment of SAD.

Frequency and Mental Health Condition of Students with Developmental Disabilities Among First-Year Japanese University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Students with developmental disabilities are anxious about a change in environment when graduating from high school to college. Existing research, which is scarce, focuses on the mental health status of students with developmental disabilities entering university. This study investigated the frequency of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among first-year Japanese university students and their mental health risks post-admission. We conducted a cross-sectional survey for university students within a month of admission, using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Adult ADHD Test (A-ADHD) to demonstrate the frequency of ASD and ADHD. The Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS)-Japanese (depression, eating concerns, hostility, social anxiety, family distress, alcohol use, generalized anxiety, and academic distress) evaluated their mental health condition.Of 711 students (20.3 ± 2.1years; 330 male, 381 female), the number of those showing either ASD or ADHD tendencies was 61 (8.58%). Twenty-three (3.23%) showed symptoms of only ASD, 34 (4.78%) of ADHD, and four (0.56%) of ASD and ADHD. No significant differences existed in the frequency of ASD and ADHD between each sex and major. The scores and frequency of high risk (over the cut-off points) students on all CCAPS-Japanese subscales (except alcohol use) were significantly higher among the ASD and ADHD groups than the control group, which showed no ASD or ADHD tendencies. The frequency of ASD and ADHD characteristics among first-year Japanese university students was 8.58%. They have a high risk of mental health problems when they enter university.

Disrupted Hippocampal-Prefrontal Networks in a Rat Model of Fragile X Syndrome: A Study Linking Neural Dynamics to Autism-Like Behavioral Impairments.

FMR-KO and control rats underwent a battery of behavioral tests assessing sociability, memory, and anxiety. Single-unit electrophysiology recordings were then conducted to measure patterns of neural activity in H-PFC circuit. Advanced mathematical models were used to characterize the patterns that were then compared between groups using generalized linear mixed models. FMR-KO rats demonstrated significant behavioral deficits in sociability, spatial learning, and anxiety, aligning with symptoms of ASD. At the neural level, these rats exhibited abnormal firing patterns in the H-PFC circuit that is critical for learning, memory, and social behavior. The neural networks in FMR-KO rats were also less densely connected and more fragmented, particularly in hippocampal-PFC correlated firing. These findings suggest that disruptions in neural network dynamics underlie the observed behavioral impairments in FMR-KO rats. FMR-KO significantly disrupts several characteristics of action potential firing in the H-PFC network, leading to deficits in social behavior, memory, and anxiety, as seen in FXS. This disruption is characterized by less organized and less resilient hippocampal-PFC networks. These findings suggest that therapeutic strategies aimed at normalizing neural dynamics, such as with brain stimulation, could potentially improve behavior and cognitive functions in autistic individuals. Fragile X Syndrome is associated with autism, cognitive challenges and anxietyThe loss of Fmr1 protein disrupts processes involved in building neural networksThe consequence is abnormal neural dynamics in hippocampal-prefrontal cortex networksNormalization of dynamics could improve outcomes in FXS and ASD.

Creating an Exhibition Space to Attract Students in the University Library of Ukraine in Times of Crisis

Crisis times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the martial law in Ukraine have actualized the creation of various exhibitions in academic libraries to reach and attract users. In particular, to overcome social isolation, anxiety, and emotional and mental exhaustion. This study discusses the authors’ practical experience of building a partnership between the academic library and the Graphic Design Department of the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts (Ukraine). The cooperation aims to create a physical and online exhibition space to reach and attract students to the library. The study provides examples of the joint creation of a library thematic exhibition space with students and teachers for interaction and moral support, formation of common values, self-realization, and motivation, as well as examples of using the exhibition space to hold exhibitions of students’ artwork as part of the library’s engagement program in times of crisis. The examples confirm that the university library, in times of crisis during martial law, positions its exhibition space as a place that unites the university community, inspires, promotes cultural development, supports successful initiatives, and presents the achievements of university students and teachers. The results of this article complement previous research on library exhibitions as a means of reaching, engaging, highlighting collections, and educating students. It also informs practitioners about the Ukrainian experience of creating an exhibition space to attract students to the academic library in times of crisis. This article may be helpful to library practitioners looking for ideas and experience organizing exhibitions in academic libraries.

The Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescent Social Anxiety and Coping Strategies

Today's adolescents are a generation born with the advent of the internet, and their lifestyle and thinking patterns are deeply influenced by the online environment. Unlike in the past, when adolescent growth mainly depended on living, learning, and social environments, media technology today is intricately linked to human development. With the widespread use of social media, while adolescents enjoy the convenience and fun it brings, they also face challenges related to social anxiety and other mental health issues. Therefore, this paper analyzes the impact of social media use on adolescent social interactions from different dimensions, including both positive and negative effects. It also explores the causes of adolescent social anxiety, which include individual psychological factors, the characteristics of social media itself, and the family and social environment. Accordingly, it suggests that targeted support should be provided to adolescents to help them develop good social media habits, effectively cope with social anxiety, and promote their overall healthy development.

Real-world experience: a retrospective pediatric chart review to determine why patients and caregivers discontinue oral immunotherapy

BackgroundOral immunotherapy (OIT) is an increasingly utilized management strategy for IgE-mediated food allergy. Despite promising efficacy and effectiveness, there is still a lack of data surrounding the reasons for discontinuation of OIT. The primary reason stated in the literature for discontinuation is adverse gastrointestinal effects. Social factors contributing to OIT discontinuation have not been well reported. We hypothesize that social considerations are significant contributors to treatment discontinuation.MethodsWe completed a retrospective chart review of 50 patients treated in community pediatric allergy practices who discontinued OIT out of 507 patients who were started on OIT between October 1, 2017-October 27, 2022. Reasons for discontinuation were identified and classified into five main categories: unsafe care decisions, anxiety, adverse effects of OIT, uncontrolled comorbidity and social factors. Categories were not exclusive.Results507 patients were started on OIT, with data available for 50 patients who discontinued OIT, aged 10 months to 18 years and 2 months. The overall discontinuation rate was 9.8%, of which 40 patients (80%) discontinued during buildup, 9 patients (18%) discontinued during maintenance and one patient on two food OIT discontinued one food during buildup and one during maintenance (2%). Thirty-four patients (68%) had multiple reasons for discontinuing OIT. Social factors were the most common reason for discontinuation and were identified in 32 patients (64%). Twenty-four patients (48%) discontinued OIT due to adverse effects. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most prevalent, while anaphylaxis contributed to discontinuation in 15 patients (30%). Anxiety led to discontinuation in 17 patients (34%).ConclusionsOur data highlights the importance of social factors and anxiety in the success of OIT completion. Our results support the need to consider not only the patient’s medical history, but also their social history and support networks when selecting patients who are good candidates for OIT to optimize the successful completion of OIT.

Biological aging analysis based on DNA methylation status for social anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common disorder characterized by excessive fear of scrutiny and embarrassment, leading to severe distress and avoidance behaviors or dysfunctions. SAD and other relevant diseases have been reported to be associated with a higher risk of aging-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes mellitus. Recently, epigenetic clock analysis, which measures biological aging based on comprehensive DNA methylation (DNAm) status, has been widely conducted. We conducted epigenetic clock analyses in patients with SAD and controls, examining various epigenetic age acceleration and DNAm-based predictive values of aging-related proteins (GrimAge components and GrimAge2 components), including leptin level. We used the publicly available DNAm dataset, GSE164056, which consists of 66 patients with SAD and 77 controls of Caucasian descent aged between 18 and 50 years. We conducted regression analyses investigating the association between SAD and various indices of epigenetic aging, using age and sex as covariates. None of the epigenetic clocks showed significant differences in age acceleration. Of the DNAm-based predictive values of aging-related proteins, leptin level in GrimAge components (q = 0.0123) and GrimAge2 components (q = 0.0123) were significantly lower in patients with SAD than in controls. The results of this study suggested that leptin may be involved in SAD pathogenesis as an aging-related protein. Therefore, further studies with different designs are required.

Social anxiety and resilience among undergraduate medical students in Kolkata: A mixed-methods study

Background: Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, involves an uncontrollable fear of social situations, exacerbating stress and hindering academic performance. Building resilience is crucial as it helps individuals cope with and recover from stress effectively. This study aimed to assess social anxiety and resilience among undergraduate medical students at a tertiary care institute in Kolkata and to identify any associated sociodemographic factors. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted from April to June 2022 among 200 undergraduate medical students of Phase-I of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. Quantitative data were collected via electronic method (Google Forms). Multinomial logistic regression was performed to examine relation between sociodemographic characteristics, social anxiety, and resilience. The qualitative component consisted of in-depth interviews with 12 purposively selected participants and was thematically analysed. Results: Most (80.0%) participants were aged between 17 and 20 years, and 63.7% were from urban residences. Social anxiety was prevalent in almost 78% of participants, while only 2.1% exhibited ‘high’ resilience. Students whose mothers had received primary education and less monthly pocket money had significantly higher odds of experiencing social anxiety. Qualitative findings revealed themes such as fear of judgment, avoidance of social situations, and impacts on academic performance, with coping mechanisms including seeking social support and practicing mindfulness. Conclusion: Most of the participants experienced social anxiety, with few displaying high resilience. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive mental health support systems within medical institutions.