Clarifying the association of social anxiety with cognitive variables: The role of self‐esteem, self‐perception, fears of positive and negative evaluation, and post‐event processing

Abstract

Theoretical models of social anxiety disorder (SAD) have identified several cognitive factors (fear of negative evaluation [FNE], self-perception, selfesteem, and post-event processing [PEP]) that play a role in the maintenance of the disorder. The current study aimed at testing both the cognitive factors addressed in these different models and the fear of positive evaluation (FPE) in the same construct. A non-clinical emerging adulthood sample (N = 325) were subjected to structural equation modeling (SEM). The results of the SEM showed that FPE, FNE, and self-concepts (self-esteem and self-perception) were significantly associated with social anxiety. Effect sizes indicated that the variables that most affected social anxiety were FPE, self-perception, FNE, and self-esteem, respectively. However, although it was significant in the conceptual model, the direct effect of social anxiety on PEP was not significant in the full model. On the other hand, the present findings add further support to the roles of negative self-perception and low self-esteem in social anxiety. Moreover, FPE may not be just delayed/postponed FNE. Considering the effect size of FPE on social anxiety, targeting it when appropriate in treatment may reduce the severity of social anxiety.

Revealing the Fear of Negative Evaluation: Exploring Its Impact on Self-Esteem through Emotional Loneliness and Avoidance among Adolescent

“…Moreover, according to the current research, individuals exposed to harsh oversight are hesitant to engage in social interactions where they might feel that they are being negatively judged by others, which could worsen their psychological distress and become the reason for their loneliness (Haugen, 2023;Lampraki et al, 2022). Gök & Yalçınkaya-Alkar (2023) found that individuals with a higher dread of negative evaluation are likelier to develop poor SE. Fear about being evaluated typically comes with unpleasant experiences.…”

“…FNE in adolescents and childhood stages disturbs the psychological and mental ability of the students and lowers their SE (Kocatürk & Çiçek, 2023). It can lead to social anxiety and, EL and lower their SE (Gök & Yalçınkaya-Alkar, 2023). According to Ho & Gu, 2023 SE is positive, and the negative attitude of individuals toward themselves (Ho & Gu, 2023).…”

“…Fear about being evaluated typically comes with unpleasant experiences. Therefore, inferiority feelings will likely lead to the FNE (Gök & Yalçınkaya-Alkar, 2023). This research evaluated the association of the FNE with EL, SA and SE.…”