Paulomi M. Sudhir
NIMHANS, Hosur Road, Bengaluru
Background: Despite evidence of an association between the influence of early
significant relationships and later social information processing, there have been few
efforts to empirically examine this proposition with respect to social anxiety. Aims: The
present study examined attachment styles and interpersonal sensitivity in relation to
social anxiety. Method: The responses of 30 community participants and 43 persons
with a primary diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (SAD),on the Attachment Style
Questionnaire- (ASQ), Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM), Social Interaction
Anxiety (SIAS) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were analyzed. Results
Individuals with SAD were significantly more anxious and avoidant, reported greater
interpersonal sensitivity than the community sample. Secure attachment style was
associated with decreased social anxiety, while anxious and avoidant attachment styles
were positively correlated with higher levels of social anxiety. In both these samples,
anxious attachment style and a higher level of interpersonal sensitivity emerged
as potential predictors of social anxiety. Conclusions: The findings are relevant in
understanding the role of relational schemas in the psychopathology of social anxiety
and have important clinical implications.
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