Social avoidance and distress as a predictor of perceived locus of control and level of self-esteem

Abstract

Proposed the degree of social discomfort to be indicative of an individual's perceived locus of control and level of self‐esteem. Introductory psychology students (N = 143) at the University of Alaska completed questionnaires for Social Avoidance and Distress (SAD), Rotter's Internal versus External Control of Reinforcement Scale, and Janis‐Field Personality Inventory. There were significant differences in locus of control and level of self‐esteem among those Ss rated as high SAD, moderate SAD, and low SAD. High SAD Ss were found to have significantly greater external locus of control and lower self‐esteem than either the moderate or low SAD Ss. Individuals who experience social anxiety, as opposed to those who are comfortable in social situations, are likely to feel that they have less control over the rewards in life and experience less positive self‐regard.

Impact of Early Adolescent Anxiety Disorders on Self-Esteem Development From Adolescence to Young Adulthood

“…Adolescents who experience positive relationships with peers or associate with groups perceived as having a “high-status” typically demonstrate higher levels of self-esteem and less social anxiety [31-32]. Our findings are consistent with this concept as well as the findings from Geist and Borceki [33], a cross-sectional study suggesting that the degree of social distress is indicative of an individual's perceived locus of control and self-esteem level.…”

The Associations between University Adjustment, Adult Attachment Styles, Personality Traits, and Perceived Stress

“…This would be because of maintaining a stable view of self and others across different situations as more securely attached individuals tend to have high levels of self-esteem that is the positive or negative attitudes toward oneself (Rosenberg, 1965) and elevated levels of personal worthiness (Coopersmith, 1967). Also, high self-esteem related to greater social adjustment in a number of studies (Geist &Borecki, 1982;Rice, 1999). Similar to securely attached children exploring environment (Cassidy & Berlin, 1994) and seeking care (Cassidy, 2001), secure students would seek out care and advance their capacities to form intimate relationships while being totally confident with themselves, unlike their avoidant and anxious counterparts.…”

Psychometric Properties of a Korean Version of the Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20 in Chronic Pain Patients

“…A study of pain patients in Korea [62] also indicated that avoidance strategies involve poorer physical and psychological functioning, and this can be influenced or maintained by stable external health locus of control beliefs. For example, pain patients who believe their pain is controlled by external causes such as luck or health professionals may be less likely to engage in activities causing pain, thus contributing to the preservation of their sense of powerlessness over situations [63]. Accordingly, health professionals oftentimes aim to decrease pain patients' attribution of pain control to external causes and increase their sense of pain control, thus encouraging them to engage in more activities despite the presence of pain [64].…”