1- Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran , ahmari.psy@gmail.com
2- Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
2- Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract: (117 Views)
Introduction: Social anxiety and depression are two of the most prevalent psychological disorders, often co-occurring in individuals. This comorbidity can profoundly influence various psychological dimensions, including anxiety sensitivity, cognitive flexibility, and the ability to regulate emotions. The present study aimed to investigate the differences in these psychological variables between individuals with comorbid social anxiety and depression and those in a normal control group.
Method: This research employed a causal-comparative design and included a sample of 64 students aged 18 to 30. The participants were categorized into two groups: those with social anxiety disorder comorbid with depression and a normal control group. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess the variables: the McNally Anxiety Sensitivity Index, the Dennis Cognitive Flexibility Scale, and the Gross Emotion Regulation Questionnaire.
Results: Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated a significant difference in the linear combination of dependent variables between the two groups. The univariate ANOVA analyses revealed that social anxiety comorbid with depression demonstrated significantly lower levels of cognitive flexibility compared to the control group. Furthermore, these individuals utilized suppression as a strategy for emotion regulation more frequently and reported significantly higher levels of anxiety sensitivity. no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the use of reappraisal as an emotion regulation strategy.
Conclusion: The comorbidity of social anxiety and depression significantly disrupts key psychological components, such as anxiety sensitivity, cognitive flexibility, and difficulties in emotion regulation. These psychological constructs are crucial for the onset and persistence of social anxiety disorder.
Method: This research employed a causal-comparative design and included a sample of 64 students aged 18 to 30. The participants were categorized into two groups: those with social anxiety disorder comorbid with depression and a normal control group. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess the variables: the McNally Anxiety Sensitivity Index, the Dennis Cognitive Flexibility Scale, and the Gross Emotion Regulation Questionnaire.
Results: Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated a significant difference in the linear combination of dependent variables between the two groups. The univariate ANOVA analyses revealed that social anxiety comorbid with depression demonstrated significantly lower levels of cognitive flexibility compared to the control group. Furthermore, these individuals utilized suppression as a strategy for emotion regulation more frequently and reported significantly higher levels of anxiety sensitivity. no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the use of reappraisal as an emotion regulation strategy.
Conclusion: The comorbidity of social anxiety and depression significantly disrupts key psychological components, such as anxiety sensitivity, cognitive flexibility, and difficulties in emotion regulation. These psychological constructs are crucial for the onset and persistence of social anxiety disorder.
Keywords: Social anxiety, Depression, Anxiety sensitivity, Cognitive flexibility, Emotion regulation
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Evolutionary Psychology
Received: 2025/02/24 | Accepted: 2025/05/19
Received: 2025/02/24 | Accepted: 2025/05/19
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