Impact of Fear of Negative Evaluation, Cognitive Distortions, Social Avoidance & Distress on Social Interaction Anxiety Amongst Adolescents

Abstract

The study looks at how adolescents’ social interaction anxiety (SIA) is affected by cognitive distortions, social avoidance and distress, and fear of negative evaluation (FNE). Social interaction anxiety, the dependent variable, is a vital aspect of teens' mental health. The goal of this study is to provide light on the relationships between these significant psychological ideas and how they together impact social interaction anxiety. The research method includes regression analysis to examine how FNE, cognitive distortions, social avoidance, and distress affect SIA. Standardised beta coefficients are computed to assess the relative potency of every predictor, offering valuable insights into the distinct contributions of each predictor. In addition, the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) is employed to evaluate possible multicollinearity among the predictor variables. Two hundred and eighteen (15–18) year old adolescents were evaluated for cognitive distortions, social avoidance and distress, and fear of unfavourable appraisal. Following the collection of data from 200 teenagers in the 15–18 age range, analysis reveals a strong association between teenage cognitive distortions, social avoidance and distress, fear of being negatively evaluated, and social interaction anxiety. The results of this investigation will enhance our comprehension of the elements that lead to social interaction anxiety in teenagers and provide valuable guidance for parents, teachers, and mental health providers who work with this age group. The results may also aid in the development of treatments and strategies for lowering SIA and promoting healthy social interactions in teenagers.